Here's a breakdown:
* True Foxes: The genus *Vulpes* is considered "true foxes" and contains around 27 species. This includes the most well-known foxes like the red fox, arctic fox, and fennec fox.
* Other Fox-like Canids: Several other canids, like the gray fox, island fox, and kit fox, are closely related to true foxes and are often grouped with them.
It's important to note that:
* Subspecies: Many fox species have multiple subspecies, which can further complicate the counting.
* Hybrids: Foxes can hybridize, creating additional variations.
While there are many species of foxes, not all are equally familiar. The most common foxes in human culture are usually the red fox and the arctic fox.