- Adult animals are roughly the size of an average house cat and weigh between 5 and 6 pounds.
- Swift foxes are identified by their small size, large ears, a long, bushy, black-tipped tail, and black patches along each side of the muzzle.
- Swift foxes prefer open, short- and mid-grass prairie. Dense vegetation and wooded draws are avoided.
- Prey include small mammals, rabbits, birds, insects and carrion.
- Swift foxes probably pair for life and have one litter (4-6/litter) each year.
- Young are born in late March or early April; by two months of age the pups are nearly full-grown.
- The life span of swift foxes in the wild is 3 to 5 years; in captivity they have lived up to 13 years.
- Coyotes are the primary predator of swift foxes.
- Bobcats, golden eagles, owls, and hawks have also been listed as enemies of swift foxes.
Turner Endangered Species Fund
The Turner Endangered Species Fund is dedicated to conserving biodiversity by ensuring the long-term survival of native species and their habitats. Conservation of grasslands, conservation of carnivores, and conservation of species with historical ranges on properties owned by R .E . Turner are three focus areas of the Fund’s efforts. We see restoration of swift fox as an important opportunity to restore native wildlife to the Northern Great Plains. A 1998 survey conducted by the SD Game Fish and Parks has shown that many South Dakotans appreciate native wildlife and a great majority feel that its important that South Dakota preserves as much wildlife as possible. As a private organization working on private land, we respect and appreciate landowner rights and want to ensure that none of our projects unnecessarily infringe on these rights. We believe people will find our projects well thought out, based on sound science, and respectful of our neighbors. We have no plans to import species into South Dakota that would negatively impact farmers or ranchers. Please contact us with questions or comments regarding our work. We are more than willing to discuss our plans with anyone.
Turner Endangered Species Fund
1123 Research Drive
Bozeman, MT 59718
Website: www.tesf.org
Photos in this section by Cochrane Ecological Institute, L. Carbyn, B. Wolitski, and K. Kunkel
