 Physically , kitsune are noted for having as many as nine tails . Generally , a greater number of tails indicates an older and more powerful fox ; in fact , some folktales say that a fox will only grow additional tails after it has lived 100 years . One , five , seven , and nine tails are the most common numbers in folk stories . When a kitsune gains its ninth tail , its fur becomes white or gold . These kyūbi no kitsune ( 九尾の狐 , nine @-@ tailed foxes ) gain the abilities to see and hear anything happening anywhere in the world . Other tales credit them with infinite wisdom ( omniscience ) . 
 Physically , kitsune are noted for having as many as nine tails . Generally , a greater number of tails <a href='uninflect' title='1'><mark>indicates</mark></a> an older and more powerful fox ; in fact , some folktales say that a fox will only grow additional tails after it <a href='been_done' title='2'><mark>has</mark></a> lived 100 years . One , five , seven , and nine tails <a href='drop_aux' title='3'><mark>are</mark></a>the most common numbers in folk stories . When a kitsune <a href='uninflect' title='4'><mark>gains</mark></a> its ninth tail , its fur <a href='uninflect' title='5'><mark>becomes</mark></a> white or gold . These kyūbi no kitsune ( 九尾の狐 , nine @-@ tailed foxes ) gain the abilities to see and hear anything happening anywhere in the world . Other tales credit them with infinite wisdom ( omniscience ) . 
Physically , kitsune r noted for having as many as nine tails . Generally , a greater number of tails indicate an older and more powerful fox ; in fact , some folktales say dat a fox gon only grow additional tails after it done lived 100 years . One , five , seven , and nine tails the most common numbers in folk stories . When a kitsune gain its ninth tail , its fur become white or gold . dem kyūbi no kitsune ( 九尾の狐 , nine @-@ tailed foxes ) gain the abilities to see and hear anything happenin anywhere in da world . Other tales credit em wid infinite wisdom ( omniscience ) .