Foxsnake

Possessing the legendary reputation for being cunning, The Bristled Tailed Foxsnake is a clever animal respected throughout the Northern Tundra. Catching a glimpse of this clever creature and other members of its kin is always a pleasant experience.

Reptivulpes Causeta is a genus of the family Reptivulpes. The members of this genus are colloquially referred to as Bristled Fur Snake, Tundra Snake, Furry Tundra, Whiskered Tundra, Pinetailed Foxsnake
Bristledtailed Foxsnakes are a wide ranging species of animals that live predominantly in the Northern Hemisphere. However the range of this genus is very wide, present in a wide variety of habitats, from the desert to the Arctic, and from high altitudes in the mountains to open plains. True Reptivulpes are opportunistic and thrive anywhere they can find food and shelter. They are also widespread in many urban areas, where they can take advantage of human food supplies; however, they prefer to stay away from large industrial areas. In certain areas, they tend to do better where humans are present, including in many agricultural landscapes,forests and patchy woodlands.

Appearance

All Bristletailed Foxsnakes tend to be small to medium-sized animals, usually smaller than other canines, such as wolves, dogs, and jackals
Throughout the genus, many tend to have the same body conformation; an elongated body and relatively short limbs. The tail, which is longer than half the body length (70 percent of head and body length) and the most noticeable feature on these creatures, reaches the ground when in a standing position. Their heads tend to be oval in shape and they often present with vertically-slit pupils, which generally appear elliptical in strong light like those of cats, which provide them with significant advantages. Like most canids, they also have a muscular body, powerful jaws, and teeth for grasping prey.
However due to their snake-like appearance, the jaws are also present with a pair of viper-like fangs. These fangs are folded up against the roof of the mouth when the animal's mouth is closed, and while they are not venomous, they can deliver a painful bite when irritated which can puncture through the skull of small prey with ease such as rabbits and mice.
Bristledtailed Fox Snakes are also very odd, in the sense that, in combination with scales, which cover about 60% of their body, they are also covered in Fur. In many species their winter fur is dense, soft, silky and relatively long. For the variations that live more toward the north, this fur can be very long, dense and fluffy, but is shorter, sparser and coarser in southern forms.
The tails in both northern and southern variations are the most notable feature and are bristley and coarse, similar to that of a wire brush, and they may at time’s “swat” themselves with it to rid themselves of pests, or swat it at potential predators with amazing strength in contrast to their body size.
When nervous, they will contract the muscles near the skin which causes the bristle like quills (that cover the remaining 40% of their body) to stand up and out from their bodies, rapid contracting will cause the quills to make a harsh rattling sound used to scare off would be predators or as a way to show discontent.
In fact when the first member of the species was discovered in the early exploration days, R. C phreneticus, it was actually the first member to be record to actually do this behavior and as such is the reason for the family being named Bristletailed Foxsnake.

R.C Bicolor by John Hawkens

The Largest member of the species R.C Bicolor, (shown left is the one most noticeably different compared to members of its kind. The legs of this member tend to be very long and their overall body composition tends to be reminiscent of a medium sized coyote compared to the more fox-like appearance of its smaller relatives.
Auditory perception in Foxsnake is extremely acute, being able to hear black grouse changing roosts at 600 paces, the flight of crows at 0.25 -- 0.5 kilometers (0.16–0.31 mi) and the squeaking of mice at about 100 meters (330 ft). They are capable of locating sounds to within one degree at 700–3,000 Hz, though less accurately at higher frequencies. Their sense of smell is good, but weaker than that of a specialized dog.

Diet

Bristledtailed Foxsnakes regardless of species type tend to be highly opportunistic omnivore hunters and while much of their diet consists of meat, during sparse winters/harsh summers, they may feed on berries and leaves to sustain their fluid and nutritional intakes.
Research done and shared by local guild’s has shown Bristledtails consume over 300 animal species and a few dozen species of plants. They primarily feed on small rodents like voles, mice, ground squirrels, hamsters, gerbils, woodchucks, pocket gophers and deer mice. Secondary prey species usually include birds (with passeriformes, galliformes and waterfowl predominating), leporids, porcupines, raccoons, opossums, reptiles, insects, other invertebrates and flotsam (marine mammals, fish and echinoderms). On very rare occasions, they may also target much larger forms of prey, however this is usually done by larger members of their species.
In addition to meat, many will readily eat plant material, and in some areas fruit can amount to 100% of their diet in autumn. Commonly consumed fruits include blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, cherries, persimmons, mulberries, apples, plums, grapes, and acorns. Other plant material includes grasses, sedges and tubers and they may even on occasion chew on water grasses for fluids.
Larger members of the species like R.C Bicolor are one of the few that has the size advantage to take down larger prey. In this case usually prey species for this variant include bison (largely as carrion), as well as the young of white-tailed deer, mule deer, moose, elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, and many other ungulate species. Rabbits also tend to make up a large portion of their diet, including Jackrabbits. R.C Bicolor also tends to be the more picky over the prey they target, as animals such as shrews, moles, and brown rats do not occur in their diet in proportion to their numbers compared to smaller members of their species.

Behavior

Territorial behavior varies between species. R. C phreneticus often is noted to have a much more settled way of life, with definite home ranges usually in highly forested area's. The characteristics of Foxsnake home ranges vary according to season, habitat, sex and social status.
Breeding females settle in discrete areas, whereas breeding males and dispersing juveniles have more fluid ranges, being more mobile. Males typically have larger territories than females and each memeber uses several den sites distributed throughout its territory.
Many species also tend to be very nomadic, living most of their lives on the move, except for the mating season, where they will often find homes in fallen hollowed out tree trunks, abandoned dens, and can even be located in canyons, washouts, coulees, banks, rock bluffs, or level ground. Some dens have even been found under abandoned homestead shacks.
Regardless of territory, the core of Bristletail social structure is the family unit, as this species tends to be monogamous and many with set territories actively defend their land from other Bristletails. Territorial disputes are seldom marked by violent encounters and usually consist of antagonistic displays, chasing, and harassment. Territories are maintained year round.
R. C phreneticus is also noted to not be as territorial as other members of its kind, having been known to share territories with other members of the same sex or even different species of creature all together. Evidence of them marking their territories is also sparse.
In the case of members like R.C Bicolor, they are highly mobile animals and can cover long distances on a daily basis. Travel of greater than 6 miles is not unheard of, though range expansion occurs during the winter months, presumably due to a decreased availability of prey, and contract during the rearing season. Displayed feces and scent posts marked with urine are also used to mark empty cache sites, used to store found food, as reminders not to waste time investigating them. The use of up to 12 different urination postures allows them to precisely control the position of the scent mark.
In favorable habitats and/or areas with low hunting pressure, subordinate individuals may be present in a range. Subordinate’s may number one or two, sometimes up to eight in one territory. These subordinates could be formerly dominant animals, but are mostly young from the previous year, who act as helpers in rearing the breeding female's young. Alternatively, their presence has been explained as being in response to temporary surpluses of food unrelated to assisting reproductive success. Non-breeding females and males will guard, play, groom, provision and retrieve lost/wandering kits, an example of kin selection. Many young may leave their families once they reach adulthood if the chances of winning a territory of their own are high. If not, they will stay with their parents, at the cost of postponing their own reproduction.
R.C Garrulous, is the only member noted to be solitary for most of their lives until they end up gaining a mate during breeding season. From here on out, they are monogamous. However, they can form polyandrous and polygynous pairs the same as others of their kind.

Breeding

Bristletails are Viviparous. This refers to its ability to give birth to live young, although the lizards are also able to lay eggs. The origin of this characteristic is under wildly under debate. Some guild argue that viviparity evolved from oviparity, or the laying of eggs, only once. Proponents of this theory also argue that if this is the case, it is possible, though rare, for species to transition back to oviparity.
During the first state of courtship, is a action called "Capture", in which in the instance a sutiable mate is found, the the male uses its mouth and jaw to capture the female and initiate copulation. The results of this study demonstrated that males with larger head sizes (both length and width) were more successful in mating than those with smaller heads, suggesting that head size undergoes sexual selection.
Breeding season varies between species and habitat, but they generally breed between late December and late March. Regardless on whether or not eggs or live-children are borne, females will often huddle in a birthing burrow. These burrows tend to be smaller then normal "home-burrows" and are thought to be made so to keep the female safe and secure as females species tend to prefer too give birth in quiet dark places.
Litter size varies between species with some females laying a single soft-shelled, leathery egg 22 days after mating and other having a litter size ranging between 1-4 pups.
Similar to canines, baby foxsnakes are born altricial, and are completely dependent on milk for their first 10 days. The incisors erupt at about 12 days, the canines at 16, and the second premolars at 21. Their eyes open after 10 days, by which point the pups become increasingly more mobile, walking by 20 days, and running at the age of six weeks. The parents begin supplementing the pup's diet with regurgitated solid food after 12–15 days. By the age of four to six weeks, when their milk teeth are fully functional, the pups are given small food items such as mice, rabbits, or pieces of ungulate carcasses, with lactation steadily decreasing after two months.
Certain foxsnake are not considered Full grown until they reach about 2-3 years in age.

Behavior with Humans

In common with most domestic animals, the original reason for foxsnakes being domesticated by human beings is uncertain, but it may have involved hunting.
In constrast to many other species of Foxsnake, only one had ever become a fully fledged companion in regards to domestication.
The typically timid nature coupled with an overall friendly tendency towards larger creatures such as man of R. C phreneticus has made them a popular pets among humans. The Domestic species is refered too as R.C Amica and is known to have an inquisitive and playful nature. They can learn to see humans as companions and form a strong bond with their owners. This makes them a popular pet choice because of their sociable and charming character.
Owners of Domesticated Bristletails have noted that when excited, they may perform a behavior similar to a ferret's "weasel war dance", characterized by frenzied sideways hops, leaps and bumping into nearby objects as well as erratic tail swaying and bristling. Despite its common name, it is not aggressive but is a joyful invitation to play, or as a way to show excitement when it “wins a game” such as successfully capturing a toy back from its owner/roommates. It is often accompanied by a unique soft clucking noise, commonly referred to as "dooking".
Bristletails can become very emotionally attached to their mates or owners and can become depressed if they are alone for too long, such as if their owner works long hours. As a result it is typically well advised that if you're the working type in the process of trying to purchase your own, that you purchase two to keep them from being lonely, especially in the instance of a mate passing away.
In comparison to wild members of its kind, Domesticated Bristletails can come in a long variety of colors, some natural and some intentionally bred into the species to make them more appealing to local buyers. Atypical coloration in these animals usually represents stages toward full melanism and mostly occurs in cold regions.
There are eight basic colors: Albino, Black, Black Sable, Champagne, Chocolate, Cinnamon, Dark-Eyed White and Sable, reminiscent of Domesticated Ferret coloration's.
Albino: The guard hair and undercoat are white/cream*. The eyes are pink/red and nose is pink.
Black: The guard hair is true black and the undercoat is white. The eyes are black and the nose can be black, near black or speckled black.
Black Sable: The guard hair is dark ash blackish brown with no warm brown tone and the undercoat is white/cream. The eyes are dark brown or near black. The nose is blackish brown and can be solid, mottled or heavily speckle
Champagne: The guard hair is tan or a diluted version of chocolate and the undercoat is white/cream. The eyes are light to dark burgundy and the nose is beige/pink or pink with a beige or light brown ‘T’ outline.
Chocolate: The guard hair is warm milk chocolate brown and the undercoat is white. The eyes are brown or dark burgundy and the nose is pink, brick, beige or pink with a light brown ‘T’ outline.
Cinnamon: The guard hair is rich light reddish brown and the undercoat is white or white with a golden hue. The nose is brick, beige or pink with a light brown or brick ‘T’ outline.
Dark-Eyed White: The guard hair and undercoat is white/ cream*. The eyes are burgundy or black and the nose is pink.
Sable: The guard hair is warm deep brown and the und
Patterns include
Bib—White patches under the neck.
Mitten—White feet where the white stops at the ankle.
Points—The animals legs, shoulders, tail and mask.
Roaning—A mixture of white guard hairs scattered throughout the coat, like salt and pepper usually in a uniform mixture.
Stocking—White feet where the white extends halfway up the leg.
Additonal Colors and patterns both domesticated and wild include patterns surprisingly also found most commonly in foxes
Smokey: The rump and spine is brown or grey with light yellowish bands on the guard hairs. The cross on the shoulders is brown, rusty brown or reddish-brown. The limbs are brown.
Cross: The fur has a darker colouration than the colour morph listed directly above. The rump and lower back are dark brown or dark grey, with varying degrees of silver on the guard hairs. The cross on the shoulders is black or brown, sometimes with light silvery fur. The head and feet are brown.
Blackish-brown: The melanistic colour morph of the northern Bristletailed. Has blackish-brown or black skin with a light brownish tint. The skin area usually has a variable admixture of silver. Reddish hairs are either completely absent or in small quantities.
Silver: The melanistic colour morph introduced to the Old World by the fur trade. Characterized by pure black colour with skin that usually has a variable admixture of silver (covering 25–100% of the skin area)
Platinum: Distinguished from the silver colour morph by its pale, almost silvery-white fur with a bluish cast
Piebald: Piebald bristles are some of the most jaw-dropping animals in the entire pet-keeping hobby. A simple recessive trait, the piebald gene causes Bristletails to exhibit large areas of normal pattern and coloration, which is broken up by large swaths of pure white skin. Different individuals exhibit varying amounts of white coloration. Many of the most desirable individuals are largely white, with small, scattered areas of normal color and pattern.

Some Additional include
Bay: characterized by a reddish-brown or brown body color with a black point coloration on the "mane" tail, ear edges, and lower legs.
Brindle: One of the most common pattern to see in domestication and wilds, it is sometimes described as "tiger-striped", although the brindle pattern is more subtle than that of a tiger's coat. Brindle typically appears as black stripes on a red base. The stripes are eumelanin (black/brown pigment) and the base is phaeomelanin (red/yellow pigment), so the appearance of those pigments can be changed by any of the genes which usually affect them. Most common is a darker or "mist" undercoat with black-stripes with a dark mane and tail

Species

Bristletailed Foxsnake: R. C phreneticus, named phreneticus From Ancient Greek *φρενητικός ("delirious"), for their notable and frenzied Weasel-War dance
Swift Foxsnake: R.C Bicolor, named Bicolor for its Two-tone coloring; either two or more colors at the same time, or two different colors noted to be both a lighter and a darker shade of the same color. The color and texture of the Swifts fur vary somewhat geographically. The hair's predominant color is light gray and red or fulvous, interspersed around the body with black and white. Those living at high elevations tend to have more black and gray shades than their desert-dwelling counterparts, which are more fulvous or whitish-gray.
Bat-eared Foxsnake: R.C megalotis, from Ancient Greek μεγάλος (megálos, “large”) + οὖς, ὠτός (oûs, ōtós, “ear”). The "Fennec Fox" of the Foxsnake, these small creatures are noted for their exceptionally large ears. The ear to body ratio is the greatest in the family and likely helps in dissipating heat and locating vertebrates in their more desert like homesteads.
Bush Foxsnake: R.C Garrulous, Native to the more brush-lands of Arkael, Garrulous is borrowed from Latin garrulus (“talkative”), from the verb garriō (“I chatter”). Bush Foxsnake are known to be a very talkative species producing an unusual yodel-like sound, due to its unusually shaped larynx. It is the only members of this species to make this noise.

Trivia

• Baby Foxsnake belonging to R.C phreneticus are so disproportionate when their born that dead babies found by travelers are often mistaken for misidentified species, with too big feet, overly large ears and sometimes even large tails that they have yet to grow into.

• Swift Foxsnakes get their name due to their habit of traversing long distances. Unlike other members of its kind, Swift's tend to be more endurance hunters then ambush, a method of hunting in which a predator will bring down a prey item via indirect means, such as exhaustion, heat illness or injury. Swift's are known for running large prey down over long distances and prefer to injure prey in an ambush before the hunt and rely on tracking to find their quarry. It is thought that this hunting method is the reason for their longer legs compared to other members of its family, whose hunting methods usually relies on ambush techniques

• A Foxsnake's history with humans is a complicated one. It appears in many cultures, especially in the north, usually in folklore. There are slight variations in their depictions. In most folklore they are similiar to foxes in a way; symbols of cunning and trickery—a reputation derived especially from their reputed ability to evade hunters. Others depict them as mystical, sacred creatures who can bring wonder and/or ruin. In the north, because they tend to be timid, seeing one is thought to bring good luck and some settlements even do their best to bring them in to settle on a homestead believing that they will bring luck for a harvest. This is often believed to be due to the amount of mice and other crop destorying pests many smaller species can consume in such a sort time.
  Further down south however, they are usually despised for their cunning, often envading hunters who do their best to eradicate the species. To some a foxsnake is referred to as vermin in some places, with farmers fearing the loss of their smaller livestock, while others consider them an ally in controlling rabbits, voles, and other rodents, which eat crops.

• Reason for domestication of such a animal who people view with a split view is usually not well known. But it is believe that man and mer did not actually domesticate the Foxsnake, but that the foxsnake did it themselves similiar to how felines where first thought to do so as well. Whatever the case, since domestication, Foxsnakes have undergone only minor changes in anatomy and behavior, and they are still capable of surviving in the wild should they loose their home for whatever reason. Several natural behaviors and characteristics of wild Foxsnakes may have pre-adapted them for domestication as pets. These traits include their small size, social nature, obvious body language, love of play, and high intelligence.

• Attempts at domesticating other species of Foxsnake have had limited results. Species like Swifts are normally Solitary and Nomadic and have a distinct skittish nature that makes it near impossible to get close to them.

• Only smaller species of Foxsnake do "Weasle-War dancing. Larger species like Swifts, do "dance" of their own, where they will bounce on their front feet side-side when they are excited

R. C phreneticus

Kingdom: animalia
Phylum: chordata
Class: mammalia
Order: carnivora
Family: canidae
Genus: reptivulpes
Species: reptivulpes causeta (cauda seta = bristle tail)