Fox vs. Jackal: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 28, 2023
Foxes are small, omnivorous mammals with a bushy tail, known for their cunning, while jackals are medium-sized, carnivorous canids, often symbolic of opportunism.
Key Differences
Foxes are found worldwide, adapting to various environments, from urban areas to wild forests. Jackals, however, are predominantly found in Africa and some parts of Asia, preferring open savannas and arid regions.
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Dec 28, 2023
Foxes are generally smaller than jackals, with a more varied coat color ranging from red to gray. Jackals, on the other hand, have a more uniform coat, usually in shades of gold, brown, or silver, and have longer legs and a more pointed muzzle.
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Foxes exhibit a wide range of dietary habits, being omnivores that eat fruits, insects, and small animals. Jackals are primarily carnivorous, feeding on small mammals, birds, and even carrion, showcasing more pack-oriented hunting behavior.
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In folklore, the fox is often depicted as cunning and intelligent, featuring in various mythologies and stories. Jackals, conversely, are frequently associated with themes of trickery and are often seen as symbols of opportunism in cultural narratives.
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Foxes tend to have smaller litters compared to jackals and often utilize a broader range of habitats for their dens. Jackals generally have larger litters and are known for their monogamous pairings, with both parents involved in raising the young.
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Comparison Chart
Social Structure
Solitary or small family groups
Often in pairs or small groups
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Fox and Jackal Definitions
Jackal
A person who performs menial or demeaning tasks for another.
He acted like a jackal, doing all the dirty work.
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Fox
A member of a Native American people formerly inhabiting various parts of southern Michigan, southern Wisconsin, northern Illinois, and eastern Iowa, with present-day populations in central Iowa and with the Sauk in Oklahoma.
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Oct 19, 2023
Jackal
A wild canine native to Africa and Asia, known for its opportunistic feeding habits.
A jackal was spotted scavenging near the campsite.
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Jackal
A symbol of opportunistic or predatory behavior.
In the story, the jackal represents greed.
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Fox
Any of various carnivorous mammals of the family Canidae and especially of the genus Vulpes, found worldwide and characteristically having upright ears, a pointed snout, and a long bushy tail.
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Jackal
Any of several mammals of the genus Canis of Africa, Asia, and southeast Europe, that are chiefly foragers feeding on plants, small animals, and occasionally carrion.
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Jackal
One who seeks to gain advantage or profit from the difficulties of another.
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Jackal
Any of certain wild canids of the genus Canis, native to the tropical Old World and smaller than a wolf.
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Fox
(Nautical) Small cordage made by twisting together two or more strands of tarred yarn.
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Jackal
(derogatory) A person who behaves in an opportunistic way; especially a base collaborator.
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Jackal
Any one of several species of carnivorous animals inhabiting Africa and Asia, related to the dog and wolf. They are cowardly, nocturnal, and gregarious. They feed largely on carrion, and are noted for their piercing and dismal howling.
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Jackal
One who does mean work for another's advantage, as jackals were once thought to kill game which lions appropriated.
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Jackal
Old World nocturnal canine mammal closely related to the dog; smaller than a wolf; sometimes hunts in a pack but usually singly or as a member of a pair
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Jackal
An unscrupulous or sneaky person.
He's known as a jackal in the corporate world.
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Fox
A red fox, small carnivore (Vulpes vulpes), related to dogs and wolves, with red or silver fur and a bushy tail.
The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
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Jackal
A supporter or follower of a questionable character.
The politician's jackals spread false rumors.
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Fox
Any of numerous species of small wild canids resembling the red fox. In the taxonomy they form the tribe Vulpini within the family Canidae, consisting of nine genera (see the Wikipedia article on the fox).
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Fox
The gemmeous dragonet, a fish, Callionymus lyra, so called from its yellow color.
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Fox
(nautical) A small strand of rope made by twisting several rope-yarns together. Used for seizings, mats, sennits, and gaskets.
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Fox
(obsolete) A sword; so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
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Fox
(transitive) To trick, fool or outwit (someone) by cunning or ingenuity.
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Fox
(transitive) To confuse or baffle (someone).
This crossword puzzle has completely foxed me.
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Fox
(intransitive) To discolour paper. Fox marks are spots on paper caused by humidity. (See foxing.)
The pages of the book show distinct foxing.
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Fox
(intransitive) To turn sour; said of beer, etc., when it sours in fermenting.
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Fox
(transitive) To repair (boots) with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
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Fox
A carnivorous animal of the genus Vulpes, family Canidæ, of many species. The European fox (V. vulgaris or V. vulpes), the American red fox (V. fulvus), the American gray fox (V. Virginianus), and the arctic, white, or blue, fox (V. lagopus) are well-known species.
Subtle as the fox for prey.
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Fox
The fox shark or thrasher shark; - called also sea fox. See Thrasher shark, under Shark.
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Fox
Rope yarn twisted together, and rubbed with tar; - used for seizings or mats.
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Fox
A sword; - so called from the stamp of a fox on the blade, or perhaps of a wolf taken for a fox.
Thou diest on point of fox.
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Fox
A tribe of Indians which, with the Sacs, formerly occupied the region about Green Bay, Wisconsin; - called also Outagamies.
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Fox
To intoxicate; to stupefy with drink.
I drank . . . so much wine that I was almost foxed.
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Fox
To repair the feet of, as of boots, with new front upper leather, or to piece the upper fronts of.
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Fox
Alert carnivorous mammal with pointed muzzle and ears and a bushy tail; most are predators that do not hunt in packs
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Fox
English statesman who supported American independence and the French Revolution (1749-1806)
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Fox
English religious leader who founded the Society of Friends (1624-1691)
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Fox
A member of an Algonquian people formerly living west of Lake Michigan along the Fox River
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Fox
Deceive somebody;
We tricked the teacher into thinking that class would be cancelled next week
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Fox
Be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly;
These questions confuse even the experts
This question completely threw me
This question befuddled even the teacher
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Fox
A small, wild canine known for its bushy tail and sharp intelligence.
The fox stealthily approached the hen house.
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Fox
To deceive or confuse someone.
The magician foxed the audience with his trick.
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Fox
To repair or adjust a mechanism in an ingenious way.
He foxed the old radio back to life.
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Fox
A member of the Fox tribe of Native Americans.
The Fox tribe has a rich cultural heritage.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What are the main habitats of foxes?
Foxes adapt to various environments, including forests, grasslands, mountains, and urban areas.
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Do jackals live in packs?
Jackals often live in pairs or small family groups, but not in large packs.
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Do foxes hibernate in winter?
No, foxes do not hibernate but may reduce their activity during severe winter conditions.
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What is the gestation period for a fox?
The gestation period for a fox is around 51 to 53 days.
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Are jackals considered endangered?
Most jackal species are not currently considered endangered, though their habitats may be under threat.
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Can foxes be domesticated?
While there are some cases of foxes being kept as pets, they are generally not considered domestic animals.
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What is the average lifespan of a jackal in the wild?
Jackals typically live for about 8 to 9 years in the wild.
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What do foxes primarily eat?
Foxes are omnivorous, eating a diet of insects, rodents, fruits, and sometimes scavenged food.
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Are jackals dangerous to humans?
Jackals are generally not dangerous to humans unless provoked or threatened.
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How do foxes communicate?
Foxes communicate through vocalizations, body language, and scent marking.
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Are foxes active during the day or night?
Foxes are primarily nocturnal but can be active during the day, especially in urban areas.
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Do jackals have any natural predators?
Yes, jackals are preyed upon by larger predators like lions, leopards, and hyenas.
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How do jackals hunt for food?
Jackals hunt both individually and in pairs, often targeting small mammals and birds.
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Are jackals solitary animals?
Jackals are not entirely solitary; they often form monogamous pairs and may hunt in small groups.
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What role do jackals play in their ecosystem?
Jackals are important scavengers and predators, helping control rodent and insect populations.
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Do jackals migrate?
Jackals do not typically migrate but may move locally in search of food.
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What threats do foxes face in the wild?
Threats to foxes include habitat loss, hunting, and diseases like rabies.
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Can foxes adapt to urban environments?
Yes, many fox species have adapted well to urban environments.
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How do foxes care for their young?
Fox parents both play a role in raising their young, with the mother nursing and the father providing food.
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Are jackals found in North America?
No, jackals are native to Africa and parts of Asia, not North America.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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