A salt-and-pepper fox with russet flanks and a black tail tip. Notable as the only North American canid that regularly climbs trees — including straight up vertical trunks to escape predators and reach fruit.

Also called: Tree Fox, Maned Fox

Native status: Native; widespread but declining in some northeastern areas

§ Quick facts

SizeBody 50–75 cm (20–30 in); tail 27–44 cm
Weight3.6–7 kg (8–15 lb)
LifespanWild typically 6–8 years; oldest documented 13
OrderCarnivora
FamilyCanidae

§ Encyclopedia

The gray fox, or grey fox, is an omnivorous mammal of the family Canidae, widespread throughout North America and Central America. This species and its only congener, the diminutive island fox of the California Channel Islands, are the only living members of the genus Urocyon, which is considered to be genetically sister to all other living canids. Its species name cinereoargenteus means "ashen silver".

Source: Wikipedia — Gray fox Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium fox with grizzled gray-and-rust pelage; black-tipped tail with dark "saddle" along top; white throat and belly; rusty patches on legs and neck.

Similar species. Red Fox (larger, rufous body, white tail tip). Coyote (larger, longer legs). Domestic cat (climbs but very different shape).

Voice. Sharp barks, yips, growls. Quieter than red fox.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Omnivorous: small mammals (rodents, rabbits), birds, insects, fruits (especially in fall), nuts.

Behavior. The only US canid that regularly climbs trees — using strong rotating claws and a habit of hooking front paws on branches. Climbs to escape predators, sleep in tree forks, and reach fruit. Genetically among the most ancient canid lineages (estimated 9–10 million years separated from other canids). More restricted to brushy woodlands than the more open-country red fox.

§ Range

Throughout the US (except northern Rockies + plains), Mexico, Central America

§ Habitat

Mixed deciduous forests, brushy areas, suburban edges

§ Threats

Canine distemper outbreaks, vehicle strikes, rodenticide poisoning, habitat fragmentation.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the gray fox is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Vaccinate domestic dogs against distemper. Drive slowly on rural roads at night. Skip rodenticides.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • American Society of Mammalogists
  • National Park Service
  • IUCN Red List 2016