At One Place

How long does a red fox last?

Typical lifespan
2–15 yr

The most widely distributed wild carnivore on Earth, at home from tundra to city centre.

Most wild foxes die before three; captives reach 15.

How that compares

Red fox against things of a similar time.

Laptop 3–8 yr
Coffee machine 3–8 yr
Printer 3–10 yr
Tablet 3–8 yr
Red fox 2–15 yr
Car battery 3–7 yr
Giant Pacific octopus 3–5 yr
Wild turkey 3–13 yr

What that means over time

Assuming the typical lifespan above and immediate replacement.
Period How many you would buy
Per year 0.25 replacements
Over 10 years 2.5 of them
Over a 30-year mortgage 7.5 of them

Lifespans are medians under ordinary use, not guarantees. Maintenance, how hard it is used, and build quality move individual examples a long way in both directions — which is why the range above is as wide as it is.

More about a red fox

Common questions

How long does a red fox last?
A red fox lasts 2–15 yr. Most wild foxes die before three; captives reach 15.

Related pages

Sources

  1. Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — Smithsonian Institution

How these figures are compiled and checked