age of a fox

[faz 68 0]

hi does anyone know how to tell the age of a fox as the cubs are now as big as the parents especially the vixens and i would like to know for sure which one i have shot ?

[HUnter_zero 58]

It all depends on how exact you want to be. The first thing to remember is that all non-exact methods will vary from area to area depending on the living conditions and available food sources. For example an urban food feeding on bins may grow faster than a fox living on a remote moor. However the longevity of life may also vary due to diets as would over all physical condition.

 

Simplistically speaking tooth ware, body weight, body length and skull dimensions are the bases for rule of thumb age estimation. the same is applied to many species.

 

 

Cub to adult estimation would depend upon the degree of fusion on the cranium and of course development of a sagittal crest.

 

The only exact method of aging any animal is by counting the layers of dental cement on the tooth.

 

Not sure if this answers you question or not.

 

John

[cragman 2,763]

Spot on John, a perfect answer. The foxes teeth lay down annuli, or a ring of enamel every year. By cutting the tooth in half and applying dyes, the age can be found. Much the same as aging a tree and counting the rings when they're are felled.

[Bobba_fett 117]

if the teeth are pearly white it more likely to be a cub

Edited September 1, 2011 by Bobba_fett

[dave1372 83]

if the teeth are pearly white it more likely to be a cub

....yep this is the simple answer. Cubs teeth will be still be as white as Simon Cowells teeth, they also tend to be thinner and more spiny than a older adult.

[martin 332]

This is an old one.......

 

 

M

[upperlane2 4]

thats alright if u want 2 shoot the fox first or wat if u want 2 know wats running about a older fox usually has darker under white on his body or if u lamp him hell be 3 fields away in olympic record time lol