The red fox is common in most of northern North America. It is found throughout Alaska, except for some of the islands of Southeast Alaska, the western Aleutians, and Prince William Sound. It is native to Kodiak Island but is an introduced animal on many islands in the state as a result of fox farming operations in the early 1900s. Red fox populations in Southeast Alaska are sparse, but the animal is found in the Taku and Stikine river valleys and the Mendenhall Flats. Red foxes have also been seen on Douglas Island near Juneau. The fox prefers broken country, extensive lowland marshes, and crisscrossed hills and draws. It is most abundant south of the arctic tundra. It is also present in tundra regions, which it shares with the arctic fox. Where the ranges of the two species overlap, the red fox is dominant. In these areas, red foxes have been observed digging white (arctic) foxes from their dens and killing them. Red foxes are members of the dog family Canidae, and their general appearance is similar to dogs, wolves, and coyotes. The European red fox is the same species as the American red fox. The red fox measures 22 to 32 inches (56-82 cm) in head and body length, and the tail is 14 inches to 16 inches (35- 43 cm) long. The adult fox weight is from 6 to 15 pounds (2.7-6.8 kg), but it appears heavier than it actually is. The males, or “dogs,” are usually heavier than the females, or “vixens.” The red fox is usually recognized by its reddish coat, its white- tipped tail, and black “stockings,” although the species does have many color variations. The outside of the ears may be black-tipped, while the inside is usually white. The white tip on the tail will distinguish this fox from other species, regardless of its color phase. Red is the most common color, but the hair may be from light yellowish to deep auburn red. Several color phases can occur in one litter. Red foxes displaying a distinct color pattern are referred by the name of that phase (i.e., red, cross, silver, black). The cross fox, for example, has a black/brown cross on the back and shoulders. The silver and black phases are similar. However, the black does not have the silver-tipped guard hairs characteristic of the silver fox. The occurrence of black-silver phase appears to increase toward the north and the northwest of Alaska. However, even where most abundant, it comprises less than 2 percent of the population.

PEARL HARBOR (April 14, 2011) Sailors from USS Chung-Hoon’s (DDG 93) ceremonial guard perform a 21-gun salute during the USS Sigsbee remembrance ceremony aboard the ship’s flight deck. The ceremony was held to pay respects to the 23 Sailors whose lives were lost when a kamikaze suicide plane struck Sigsbee on April 14, 1945 during the Battle of Okinawa. USS Chung-Hoon is named in honor of Rear Adm. Gordon Paie'a Chung-Hoon, who was born and raised in Hawaii and awarded the Navy Cross and Silver Star for gallantry as Commanding Officer of USS Sigsbee during the Battle of Okinawa. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Robert Stirrup/Released) 110414-N-VM928-098