The Encyclopedia Americana (1920)/Kit-fox

KIT-FOX, or SWIFT-FOX, a small fox (Vulpes velox) found in the central and northwestern parts of the United States, and especially common in the upper Columbia River region. It is about 20 inches long, with a broad, short face, and has the soles of the feet densely hairy. In summer its fur is of a brownish gray color, tinged with orange on the flanks and white below; in winter it becomes much paler. It is especially noted for its activity, and for the deep burrows which it digs, and in which its young are born and nurtured. It feeds mainly on ground squirrels and small birds.