Species · GBIF taxon 2434566
Gray Fox
Urocyon cinereoargenteusAlso known as Grey Fox, Tree Fox, Common Gray Fox
Gray foxes are exceptionally agile canids distinguished by their unique ability to climb vertical tree trunks using strong, hooked claws. They navigate the forest canopy to forage for fruit, escape predators, or rest quietly in hollow branches. A grizzled salt-and-pepper coat, rusty-orange trim along the neck and legs, and a prominent black stripe running down the top of the tail make them easily recognizable.
NocturnalClimbingMammal
Licensed reference(c) Brian Gratwicke, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Deer Mouse
- Eastern Cottontail
- Grasshopper
Predators
- Coyote
- Bobcat
- Golden Eagle
ThreatsHabitat fragmentation, disease, and vehicle collisions
HabitatsDeciduous forests, brushlands, and rocky scrub
Life span6 to 8 years in the wild
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- SpeciesUrocyon cinereoargenteus
Native
Interaction riskModerate
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is moderate
- Can carry rabies; observe from a safe distance and never attempt to handle.
- Why it is dangerous
- Can carry rabies and canine distemper, and may bite or scratch defensively if cornered.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for a grizzled gray coat, reddish-brown patches on the neck and legs, and a black-tipped tail.
- What to do
- Never approach, corner, or attempt to feed a wild fox; contact local wildlife authorities if one appears sick.
Responsible observation
- Look Up: Scan tree branches, especially in dense brush, where they often rest or escape danger.
- Listen Closely: Listen for their harsh, raspy barks and shrieks during the winter mating season.
- Keep Distance: Give them space to avoid triggering defensive behavior or stress.
Competitor "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
Predator Yathin S Krishnappa / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Shanthanu Bhardwaj, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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