THE KIT FOX As the afternoon sun sinks in the sky a kit fox rests on a rocky ledge and looks out on the surrounding desert landscape Its eyes and ears are alert as it watches for the movements of small animals in the shadows and listens for noises Soon the air will cool and it will be time for the fox to go hunting With sharp senses and quick reflexes the tiny kit fox is an expert at catching the leaping rodents scurrying lizards and unwary birds that are its food This wily and resourceful predator is the smallest North American fox It shares many characteristics with other kinds of foxes but it is unique in its ability to thrive in the dry and often extreme conditions of the desert 3
AT HOME IN THE DESERT The kit fox is found in desert and semidesert regions of the western United States and in north western and north-central Mexico Every part of the kit fox’s body helps it to survive in these arid regions In summer daytime temperatures in the desert soar to more than 100 F 38 C but in winter and at night the desert air can be freezing cold Thick fur protects the kit fox’s body from both heat and cold Stiff tufts of hair on the soles of its feet protect them from the hot ground They also help the feet get a better grip when the fox is walking or running across loose sandy surfaces 4
