Fox mating season varies somewhat depending on the region and species, but for the common red fox, the main mating season is typically in January and early February. During this time, males (dog foxes) become very vocal with barking and screaming to attract females (vixens), and courting can begin a few weeks prior to mating. The vixen is only receptive for about three days per year, so the male is very attentive during this short window. After mating in January or early February, the vixen's gestation period is about 52-53 days, with cubs usually born in March or April. The cubs are born blind and deaf, and the mother stays with them constantly for the first few weeks. The male fox often provides food for the vixen during this period. Other fox species may have slightly different mating times; for example, Arctic foxes mate later in the year (around March or April), and fennec foxes mate in January or February. In summary:
- Red foxes: mating season mainly January to early February
- Gestation: about 52-53 days
- Cubs born: March to April
- Other species variably mate from January to April depending on climate and species
This timeline matches observations in different regions and is supported by multiple sources on fox behavior.
