Small Mammal
Red Fox
Flashy, clever, always watching
Hi, Timber!
Timber is a melanistic red fox or silver fox, whose rare genetic mutation gives him his gorgeous black and silver coat, along with some surprisingly dog-like qualities: he vocalizes often, wags his tail, and is friendly to humans.
He arrived at the park after being seized from an owner who kept him without a permit. Before that, he'd briefly escaped into the wild, meaning his rare Clooney-esque mutation may now be loose in Maine's fox population.
Where Red Foxes Thrive
Red foxes are found statewide across Maine, moving easily between farms, forests, fields, and even towns and cities.
Fox Facts
In fall, young males often disperse 20-40 miles to find new territory, while females tend to stay closer to home. Red foxes avoid coyotes by living nearer to people and are most active at dawn and dusk, though they’re often seen during daylight in spring and summer when raising kits. These agile hunters can leap up to 6 feet when pouncing on prey. Springy!
Quick Facts
Average Size
Weighing between 7-15 pounds, red foxes are lean, quick, and built for speed.
What's on the Menu
Mice, voles, rats, birds, rabbits, insects, snakes, berries, nuts, and animal carcasses (carrion). Variety is the spice of life, after all.
The Look
Red foxes are known for their vibrant red-orange fur, white chest, black legs, and a bushy tail tipped in white – a look only they can pull off.
