Mammal · GBIF taxon 2434340
Culpeo Fox
Lycalopex culpaeusAlso known as Andean Fox, Andean Zorro, Paramo Wolf, Culpeo Zorro
Culpeo foxes patrol the varied landscapes of western South America, from high Andean punas and dry scrublands to temperate southern forests. As the second-largest native canine on the continent, they are adaptable predators that hunt small mammals like viscachas and introduced hares while opportunistically feeding on fruits and carrion. Monogamous pairs defend defined territories, communicating with sharp yips and deep growls to maintain family boundaries.
CarnivoreCanidAndean Native
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Southern Viscacha
- European Hare
- Cavy
Predators
- Puma
- Andean Condor
- Domestic Dog
ThreatsPoaching for fur, habitat destruction, retaliatory persecution by livestock farmers, and feral dogs
HabitatsAndean grasslands, puna, high-altitude scrublands, temperate rainforests, and desert valleys
Life span6–11 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderCarnivora
- FamilyCanidae
- GenusLycalopex
- SpeciesLycalopex culpaeus
Native
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- May bite or scratch if cornered or threatened; observe from a respectful distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Equipped with sharp teeth and strong jaws capable of inflicting deep puncture wounds and lacerations if cornered.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by its reddish-brown head and legs, tawny back, and long bushy tail with a dark tip.
- What to do
- Never approach, corner, or attempt to hand-feed wild foxes, and back away slowly if one approaches.
Responsible observation
- Maintain Distance: Keep a safe distance of at least 15 meters to prevent startling the animal or provoking defensive behavior.
- Securing Food: Store all food and garbage in animal-proof containers when camping in Andean national parks.
- Pet Safety: Keep domestic dogs on a leash in native fox habitats to prevent fights and disease transmission.
Predator National Park Service / Public domain · cc0
Close Relative no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative Ariel Mergener Henckel / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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