Page 3 - Kind News Jr. Teacher Guide, March/April 2022

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Critter Clues FROM PAGE 7 KINDNEWS.ORG!

Our mystery critter is the fox. These beautiful, elusive
animals are found all over the world. They can live in many
different kinds of habitats. Although they are typically
found in forested areas, they can also live in grasslands,
mountains, or deserts. Foxes are omnivores, eating a
variety of animals and vegetation, such as rabbits,
mice, lizards, fruit, and bugs. Because they are
nocturnal, they usually hunt at night and we don’t
see them often.
Foxes are very social. They live in packs and often mate
for life. Foxes can even identify one another’s voices! The
most common species, the red fox, uses 28 different sounds
to communicate, such as growls, howls, and yips.
In ancient folklore, foxes were often described as possessing
magical powers. Their vertically slit pupils allow them to see as well as cats do, and their ability to hear
sounds at very low frequencies enables them to identify the location of their prey very easily, even
when it is underground! They can also run incredibly fast — up to 45 miles per hour. Foxes are quite
resourceful: When they can’t find prey, they will often raid trash cans for scraps.
Some fox species have been threatened or endangered, such as the Island fox and Darwin’s fox.
opposite page: nynkevanholten/bigstock photo. this page: (critter clues) tgryg /bigstock photo.
Foxes also have a history of being used for hunting games. However, most fox species are thriving. How
can you live in harmony with foxes you might see in your area? Protect your pets by keeping them inside
or on a leash. Never feed foxes scraps — this causes them to change their natural diets and lose their
natural fear of humans. Instead, consider making your green space into a wildlife garden habitat. To
learn more, visit nwf.org/garden.

Helping Animals Crossword FROM PAGE 8

ACROSS 1 2
F W
3. Spring 3
I
4. Donate O S P R N G
5. Hurt O H L
4
DOWN D O N A T E D
1. Food L
2. Wild 5
H U R T
3. Shelter
E Where’s Raja?
RAJA IS HIDING ON PAGE 7!
R