Fox Molting Patterns and Methods for Assessing Pelt Maturity
Foxes begin shedding and replacing their underfur every spring, and the guard hairs then quickly fall out and new guard hairs grow in. Molting in foxes starts first at the head, neck, and forelimbs, then moves to the flanks, back, and abdomen, and only last do the rump and tail hairs shed and regrow. The completion of hair replacement on the body surface does not mean that the fox's fur and skin are fully mature. The assessment of pelt maturity is mainly based on indicators such as the color, fineness, density, length, softness and flexibility of the fur, as well as the color, thickness, and strength of the skin.
Foxes begin shedding and replacing their underfur every spring, and the guard hairs then quickly fall out and new guard hairs grow in. Molting in foxes starts first at the head, neck, and forelimbs, then moves to the flanks, back, and abdomen, and only last do the rump and tail hairs shed and regrow. The completion of hair replacement on the body surface does not mean that the fox's fur and skin are fully mature. The assessment of pelt maturity is mainly based on indicators such as the color, fineness, density, length, softness and flexibility of the fur, as well as the color, thickness, and strength of the skin.