South American foxes are often referred to by the local name of zorro.

Life span
The life-span of the crab-eating fox is unknown.

Statistics
Body length: 60-70cm, Tail length: 30cm, Weight: 6-7kg.

Physical description
The coloration of crab-eating foxes is variable, but the upper parts are usually grizzled brown to grey, often with a yellowish tint, and the under parts are brownish white.

They have short ears and the tail is fairly long and bushy, and totally black or dark tipped.

Distribution
Crab-eating foxes inhabit South America, from Colombia to north Argentina.

Habitat
They live in open woodland and grassland.

Diet
Crab-eating foxes feed on small rodents, lizards, frogs, crabs, insects, fruit and turtle eggs.

Behaviour
They are mainly nocturnal and social.

Reproduction
Crab-eating foxes have a gestation period of 52-59 days, after which they give birth to 2-6 cubs. The cubs weigh 120-160g at birth.

Conservation status
The conservation status of crab-eating foxes is not known, but they are not thought to be endangered.