Denning habitat and diet of the swift fox in western South Dakota

Authors

Daniel W. Uresk, USDA Forest Service, Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, Rapid City, South Dakota
Jon C. Sharps, South Dakota Department of Game, Fish, and Parks, Rapid City, South Dakota

Abstract

Swift fox (Vulpes velox) were investigated in western South Dakota to determine food habits and denning site characteristics. Over a three-year period food habits consisted of mammals (49%), followed by insects (27%), plants (13%), and birds (6%). Dens were located near hilltops within two habitat types, shortgrass and midgrass rairie; each type is characterized by differing plant species. Soil type was not a selective factor for den sites of swift fox. Management considerations for enhancing swift fox populations are presented.

Recommended Citation

Uresk, Daniel W. and Sharps, Jon C. (1986) "Denning habitat and diet of the swift fox in western South Dakota," Great Basin Naturalist: Vol. 46: No. 2, Article 11.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/gbn/vol46/iss2/11