Foxes are canines with bushy tails, pointed ears, narrow muzzles, and long fur that belong to the genus Vulpes. Renowned for the ability to evade traps and pursuers, foxes have often been characterized as sly and conniving in common sayings and fables.

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Most active after nightfall, foxes are omnivores that commonly eat rodents, rabbits, birds, eggs, and vegetation. Their feeding habits have often garnered them the ire of farmers fearful for the safety of domestic fowl, although their frequent consumption of pests is generally considered a habit that is beneficial to humans. Foxes are, however, known vectors of rabies and populations have been periodically decimated in attempts to stem outbreaks of the viral disease. Yet, populations appear to recover quickly, as foxes have few natural enemies, other than man.

The silver fox is a color morph of the red, or common, fox, which exhibits predominantly black fur interspersed with white and silver-tipped hairs. The pelt of the silver fox is highly valued and frequently utilized to make luxurious fur coats and similar items. Due to their commercial importance, silver foxes are often raised on specialized farms. Breeders working with these foxes have developed what is known as a platinum fox. As indicated by its name, this color morph features a pale gray fur, which is also in high demand in the fur industry.

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