Gray Fox

Urocyon cinereoargenteus

Status: Secure

The Gray Fox has a salt and pepper fur appearance with a mix of a reddish brown color on their sides. A unique feature of this species is the black strip in the middle of their long bushy tail. The average adult gray fox weighs between 6 to 15 pounds. Gray foxes are the only members of their family that can climb trees which help them escape predator attacks.

Gray Fox	
Red Rock Canyon
Nevada
Gray_Fox_DSC6870

Habitat & Range

The gray fox has been found in a wide range of areas, mostly from Southern Canada to Northern Venezuela. In the United States these mammals do not live in the northwestern region where a lot of the mountains are present. They are often found in woodlands or farmland usually close to a water source.

Food Web & Energy Flow

The gray fox is known as a solitary hunter which means it hunts alone without a pack. The gray fox also has a diverse (different) diet where they can eat almost anything. They can eat insects, plants, birds, small mammals, and grasshoppers. 

Gray foxes are secondary consumers and their main predators include bobcats, coyotes, owls and eagles.

Relationship to Fire

The forest floor is an important part of the gray fox survival. The gray fox uses fruits and berries as a food source and also depends on brush piles to hide out. Frequent fires should be maintained in order for nutrients to be added back to the soil which promotes plant growth. 

fire-bog

Conservation Status

The gray fox is of least concern since its population is stable. This species has different levels of pressure depending on the region, but overall it is considered Secure.

State Level Conservation Status - Nature Serve
State Level Conservation Status - Nature Serve

Human Impacts/ Threats

development
Land Use Conversion

Longleaf forests and the habitat it supports is being cleared or converted to use the land for other uses like houses, roads, agriculture, and even to grow different types of trees to sell.

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Poaching

Some poultry farmers have linked their livestock attacks to gray foxes. In many cases farmers will kill the gray fox when spotted. Also, people will capture the gray foxes for their pelt ( animal's skin and fur).

Resources

Wildlife Science Center. Gray Fox

Nature Works. NH PBS-Gray Fox

Animal Diversity Web. Gray Fox

Hero Journal

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  • What does it look like?
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