Photo credit: USFWS

Swift fox (Vulpes velox) | ESA status: none

Swift fox

This small (about the size of a house cat), quick, nocturnal fox makes its home in prairies and grasslands. Its fate is often tied to that of its food source, the prairie dog.

Swift fox habitat

Swift foxes live in short-grass prairies, grasslands, and deserts in western North America, including in Canada. Nearly driven to extinction in the 1930s, their populations have since stabilized, but they still live in only an estimated 40 percent of their historic range.

Swift fox diet

Swift foxes are often associated with prairie dog colonies, since they prey on prairie dogs. Omnivorous, they also eat other small mammals, carrion, insects, grasses, and fruits.

What are the threats to the swift fox?

When prairie dog colonies are victims of poisoning, swift foxes suffer, too. Trapping and roads also present threats.

What WildEarth Guardians is doing to save the swift fox

We are working to preserve the prairie dog ecosystem and all species that depend on it. Our work to end the use of trapping and poisons on public lands also benefits the swift fox.

Wildlife Press: Swift fox

Press Releases

Wildlife disservice in New Mexico: Federal wildlife killing program intends to continue slaughter of native species

Sep 16, 2021

USDA-Wildlife Services plans to continue use of traps and poisons and leaves open the possibility of killing wild animals in wilderness

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WildEarth Guardians protects and restores the wildlife, wild places, wild rivers, and health of the American West.

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