Why the fox is sly and red: let’s talk about the character of the animal

Surely since childhood, many have thought about why the fox is cunning and red. After all, each fairy tale characterized this animal in a similar way. Moreover, the color of the coat can be different, as well as, in fact, the nature of the animal. It’s time to figure it out!

Why is the fox sly and red: talk about the nature of the animal

So, because of what the fox is considered to be cunning?

• Hunters can answer the question of why the fox is cunning and red. They have long noticed that this animal with dexterity bypasses many traps. The fox, rather, is not smart in terms of any special intelligence, but observant, analyzing, cautious. Having made a mistake once, the next time she will definitely not get caught if she gets out of the trap!
• In terms of pretense, it’s hard to find a match for a fox. So, it doesn’t cost her anything to pretend to be dead to attract crows. Or, for example, to become uninteresting for predators. According to statistics, she is the champion in the matter of survival! Not for nothing is another name for the chanterelle – Patrikeevna – in honor of the cunning Lithuanian prince, who went down in history thanks to this peculiarity.
• And when the fox herself wants to hunt, she can also resort to cunning tricks. So, she pretends that she is not at all interested in prey. For example, if a flock of black grouse is located in a clearing, the fox will pretend that it is just walking and running past. Otherwise, the birds will naturally fly away before the animal approaches. But the trick will help to catch one!
• The fox also shows cunning when hunting a hedgehog. By the way, the fox is one of the few animals that are able to hunt a hedgehog! To do this, she diligently rolls it to the water, after which it dumps it there. Once in the water, the hedgehog instantly turns around to swim. Then the fox catches it to feast on it.
• One of the “calling cards” of foxes is the ability to masterfully confuse tracks. The chanterelle can easily return along its own chain or intertwine it with the traces left by other animals. Rushing along such a cunning weave, dogs often lose sight of the fox. It is also worth noting that the fox rarely hides, running through open areas. Knowing that it is easier to catch her there, she retreats whenever possible, using shelters.
• When a fox is running, its tail often indicates the direction it is about to turn. But even here the fox shows cunning, pointing in one direction, and turning in a completely different direction. Many dogs are confused by this.
• If a fox likes someone’s home – for example, a badger – she will kick out the badger. To do this, you have to play on the weaknesses of the opponent. So, the badger is still clean! Therefore, the fox will either try to arrange a toilet next to the hole, or will store leftover food and garbage there. The badger will eventually give up and prefer to just dig himself a new mink.

The color of foxes from fairy tales and life: why is he always red

All it is known, of course, that the color of the fox may be different. For example, black smoky, white, cream. Possible various color combinations. In a word, red is not the only option color. But in fairy tales it is found precisely he. And the word “fox” is also most often appears in memory. Why exactly the red color is an association to this beast? because that a bright color is best remembered, and such animals are more common in our latitudes

But why are chanterelles so bright coat? It’s extremely illogical in terms of survival. Yes, eagles fixing a red tint, they just can eat foxes. And red hair from above is a good guideline. However, on there really aren’t that many redheads dies in the claws of these birds. At least at least not so much that it affected the population. Scientists called a similar sign, which leads to intermittent but infrequent the death of individuals, “slightly harmful.” That is, he Definitely harmful, but not that much. strong to make it disappear kind of.

Interesting: According to scientists, a slightly harmful trait may disappear after about 1000-2000 generations of animals. For foxes, this is, in terms of years, about 20000-60000 years.

But what about fox hunting? If the red color does not help to disguise itself from predators, then maybe it is useful in obtaining food? Not helpful, but not harmful either. The fact is that rodents do not distinguish shades at all in the way that is characteristic of us humans. In the eyes of rodents, a bright red fox is gray-green.

In short, there is nothing in the appearance of a red color especially terrible, but there is no practical need. So why did it come about?

As it turned out, Scientists still can’t find the answer to this question. Some scientists suggest, however, that this a weakly harmful sign was at one time linked to something useful. However to prove this idea with facts, they are not in condition.

Can be bright color helps in reproduction, singling out individuals of their own species? Maybe this helps during marriage? This thought also does not find confirmation, since foxes can’t distinguish colors themselves. They are react more to movement.

However, the it can be assumed that the fox camouflaged with its color. For example, against the background of withered grass, her can be difficult to notice. Although, again, some chanterelles are much brighter than this herbs. But this explanation helps a little. we get closer to answering this difficult question even for scientists.

Those or other specifications firmly assigned to animals is not just so. And of course, sooner or later the question arises as to why they just like that, and not others. Well find out this is always interesting! After all, what can be better than broadening one’s horizons?