Tracking of Red fox

Where does the red fox roam?

On this map, you can now zoom in and out and look at the positions of the foxes from the last week.

The last position for each fox is shown with a circle. By clicking on the positions of the foxes, you get more information from that particular point.

NB! The map may take some time to load.

Movement and habitat use

In this project, we want to find out more about the movements and habitat use of the red fox on the tundra. We are particularly interested in whether the red foxes that roam along the coast are the same ones that visit the Arctic fox dens further inland. The GPS positions so far show that the red foxes can wander long distances between the mountains in the middle of Varanger and out to the coast. This happens especially in winter when there is likely more food to be found along the coast and near humans than in the mountains. This year's pups can also wander far to find their own territory. Productive habitats with plenty of prey are most used by the red fox, such as willow thickets, the shore, and near cabins and people.

The GPS collar takes a position every three hours, and these are sent to us over the Iridium satellite. Sometimes the collar takes positions more frequently to look more closely at the fox's habitat use. When the fox is in a den, or hidden somewhere, the collar sometimes cannot establish contact with the satellites, then no positions are sent.

Right now, there is 1 fox that is wearing a collar:

Track color on the map (previous page)	Description

Orange	Murphy, male born in 2022, trapped at Kongsfjordfjellet

Red fox hunters

It is a lot of work and costs a lot of money to catch a red fox and equip it with a GPS collar. COAT has made these investments because this provides important knowledge about the effects of the red fox on other species - such as the Arctic fox and ptarmigans. Therefore, we ask you to be extra careful when hunting in the areas where the marked foxes roam. The foxes are equipped with a GPS collar that hangs down under the chin, but it can be quite well hidden in the winter fur. In addition, the foxes have ear tags that should make it easier to see that they are project participants.

The image (top right) shows the marking on a fox in summer fur. In the video, it is apparent that with winter fur and poor light, it can be difficult to see the markings. Unfortunately, several marked foxes have been accidentally shot.

If a fox with a collar is accidentally shot, the fox and the collar should be delivered to the Norwegian Nature Inspectorate (SNO).

Thank you for your cooperation!

This is Thorsen, an adult hand fox, who lived in Smelror by Vardø for most of the summer. In summer fur, the marking is clearly visible. Photo: Svein Johannessen

This is Uhcci Biret, a young female caught on Svartnesodden in November this year. The collar was somewhat unfamiliar at first, and she tried to shake it off, but like dogs, foxes also quickly get used to wearing a collar.