Enemies are escaped by running, and red fox have been clocked at 45 miles per hour. They have good endurance and can run for miles when they are pursued. Red fox prefer open areas where visibility is good, and often seek out open places in the forests when hunting or resting for the day. Daytime resting areas are usually on elevated spots, such as knolls or haystacks and usually in sunny places during the winter. Underground dens are used mostly during the rearing of the litters and occasionally during windy or stormy weather conditions.
Red fox are curious animals, indicating intelligence.
However, their suspicious and shy nature compels them to avoid obvious dangers. They are playful, another indication of intelligence in animals. Some seem to enjoy being chased by dogs, and some red fox will make a game out of uncovering traps. Many times a dropping will be left on the uncovered trap, or nearby, as a communication either to the trapper or to other fox who might happen by. Fox are well equipped to hunt, and they commonly pounce in a stiff legged fashion upon unsuspecting voles, mice, and rabbits.