Red foxes

The rust-furred red fox is the most common mid-sized predator in Eriador. Favoring rabbits and mice for sustenance, it will also eat small domestic animals whenever it encounters them. The red fox's preternatural slyness and sharp senses make it a fixture in animal fables and stories. Hobbit farmers and foxes have been contesting the rights to lambs and poultry since the first Harfoots crossed the mountains and set up farming. To date, neither side has gained an advantage.