Common Gray Fox

Urocyon cinereoargenteus

Common Gray Fox

Photo: © Daniel J. Cox

Discussion:
Although it is a member of the dog family, the Common Gray Fox is a good tree climber and often hides in trees. This fox feeds on cottontail rabbits, mice, voles, and other small mammals, birds, insects, and plant material, including corn, apples, persimmons, nuts, cherries, grapes, grass, and blackberries. Grasshoppers and crickets are often a very important part of the diet in late summer and autumn.

Look For:
A gray fox with a black-and-white face and red around the ears, neck, chest, and lower sides. Tail black on top and at tip.

Species Size:
Body 24" long.

Habitat:
Woodlands and brushy areas.

Range:
Most of the U.S., but not in Rockies or parts of Great Plains.