Endangered Species

San Joaquin Kit Fox

Scientific Name: Vulpes macrotis mutica

Status: E

The San Joaquin kit fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica) is the smallest fox in North America, with an average body length of 20 inches and weight of about 5 pounds. It is a member of the Canidae family, which includes dogs, wolves and foxes. San Joaquin kit foxes are lightly built, with long legs and large ears. Their coat ranges from tan to buffy gray in the summer to silvery gray in the winter. Their belly is whitish and their tail is black-tipped.

To Learn More:

• California Dept. of Fish and Wildlife
  Species information and helpful tips about San Joaquin Kit Fox conservation and interacting with wildlife.
• CalPhotos - University of California, Berkeley
  Browseable photographs of the species.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  Documents describing protection for this species under the Endangered Species Act. General information about the species as well as plans to protect it and assist in its recovery.
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
  Five year review: summary and evaluation for San Joaquin Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis mutica)