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Vulpes vulpes
A slim, adaptable fox whose white-tipped tail is often the quickest field mark.
Rusty-red to tawny coat, often with a pale throat and belly
Black lower legs and the backs of the ears
Long, full tail that usually ends in a white tip
Open woodland, field edges, wetlands, farms, parks, and quieter parts of towns and suburbs.
Often travels alone with a light, direct trot. Most activity clusters around dusk and dawn, though daytime sightings are possible.
Gray foxes usually show a dark stripe and black tip on the tail. Coyotes are taller, longer-legged, and carry a less luxuriant tail low behind them.
Stay still, keep dogs close, and watch from a distance. Never approach a den or attempt to feed a fox.
A fox that approaches people, appears disoriented, or cannot move normally should be reported to local wildlife authorities.
The widespread red fox is adaptable, but local populations and native subspecies can face very different pressures.
Sources are linked below. Field marks vary with age, sex, season, region, light, and viewing distance.
Canis latrans
A lean, long-legged canid found across North America, including many cities.
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Procyon lotor
A dexterous, mostly nocturnal mammal with a black mask and a ringed tail.
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Didelphis virginiana
North America’s familiar marsupial, recognizable by a pale face and nearly bare tail.
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