Mammal
Gray Fox
Urocyon cinereoargenteusAlso known as Grey Fox, Tree Fox, Mane-tailed Fox
Gray foxes are unique among American canids for their remarkable ability to climb trees, using sharp curved claws to scramble up trunks in search of birds, fruits, and escape from predators. Their grizzled salt-and-pepper coat features rust-colored patches on the neck and flanks, along with a prominent black stripe running down the top of the tail. Solitary and secretive, they thrive in woodland and brush habitats across North and Central America.
NocturnalTree-ClimbingMammal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyEastern Cottontail, White-footed Mouse, Insects
Predators
- Coyote
- Bobcat
- Golden Eagle
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, vehicle collisions, disease transmission
HabitatsDeciduous forests, brushlands, rocky slopes, woodland edges
Life span6–10 years in the wild
Classification
- OrderCarnivora
- FamilyCanidae
- GenusUrocyon
- SpeciesUrocyon cinereoargenteus
Native
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can carry rabies or bite if cornered; observe from a safe distance.
- Why it is dangerous
- Can transmit dangerous pathogens such as rabies and canine distemper, and may bite defensively if cornered or handled.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognizable by the salt-and-pepper fur, rusty throat patches, and a distinct black streak along the tail.
- What to do
- Keep a respectful distance, keep pets leashed, and contact local wildlife authorities if an animal appears disoriented or sick.
Responsible observation
- Observe from afar: Use binoculars or trail cameras to watch these shy hunters without causing stress.
- Secure attractants: Keep pet food, trash, and compost sealed to avoid habituating wild foxes to yards.
- Look upward: Check low tree branches and dense brush in woodlands where gray foxes often rest during the day.
Sister Species (c) Shanthanu Bhardwaj, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Co-occurring Canid "Red Fox" by Mike's Birds is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/. · cc-by-sa
Competitor and Predator Yathin S Krishnappa / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Predator Becker1999 (Paul and Cathy) / CC BY 2.0 · cc-by
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