Vulpes macrotis merriam, commonly known as the Merriam's Kit Fox, is a small fox native to arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has large ears, a bushy tail, and a slender body. This nocturnal predator primarily preys on small mammals and insects.

Vulpes macrotis merriam, commonly known as Merriam's kit fox, is native to North America. Its geographical distribution primarily includes the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Specifically, it is found in regions such as the San Joaquin Valley of California, parts of Nevada, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, extending into the northwestern parts of Mexico, including Baja California and Sonora.

Merriam's kit fox typically inhabits arid and semi-arid environments characterized by desert and shrubland biomes. These areas often have sandy or loose soil which facilitates their burrowing behavior. The climate in these regions is typically dry with extreme temperatures, ranging from very hot summers to cold winters, with low annual precipitation.

Merriam's kit fox is a nocturnal species, primarily adapted to a life of hunting small mammals such as rodents and rabbits, as well as insects and other small invertebrates. It plays a crucial role as a mesopredator in its ecosystem, contributing to the control of prey populations. The fox has developed adaptations for conserving water and energy, which are critical for survival in its harsh, arid environment.