Urocyon

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in biology, Urocyon (Alias:Tailed Dog)  is a genus of Canidae which includes the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and the island fox (Urocyon littoralis). These two fox species are found in the Western Hemisphere. Whole genome sequencing indicates that Urocyon is the most basal genus of the living canids. Fossils of what is believed to be the ancestor of the gray fox, Urocyon progressus, have been found in Kansas and date to the Upper Pliocene, with some undescribed specimens dating even older.

Urocyon are 80-110 cm long and weigh 3.5-5 kg for males. Urocyon have shorter noses, shorter limbs, but larger toe pads on their feet. The upper part is gray and the lower part is golden yellow. The belly is white.

Inhabits forest areas. Good at climbing trees. Likes to live alone. They eat rats, rabbits, birds, insects, fish and fruits, and sometimes a small amount of snakes, fish and plants. There are 1-7 offspring per litter, with an average of 3.7 offspring. Newborn cubs weigh 100 grams and are weaned after 12 weeks and hunt on their own after 4 months. Accessibility matures after 1 year.

Urocyon citrinus:Tedford et al., 2009. Early Irvingtonian, Citrus County, Florida.

Urocyon galushai:Tedford et al., 2009. Late Blancan, San Simon Valley, Graham County, Arizona.

Urocyon minicephalus:Martin, 1974. Late Irvingtonian, Sumter County, Florida.

Urocyon progressus:Stevens, 1965. Early Blancan, Meade County, Kansas. A later review found that the material represents Urocyon, but because of its fragmentary nature cannot be diagnosed as to species.

Urocyon webbi:Tedford et al., 2009. Middle Hemphillian, Citrus County, Florida.