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Red fox on a white background

Fox

Actual Size:

  • Red fox: 1.5 to 3 feet long (including tail); anywhere from 7 to 30 lbs
  • Gray fox: 35 to 40 inches long (including tail); anywhere from 6 to 15 lbs

Characteristics: There are two types of foxes in the SW and SE United States – red and gray foxes. Red foxes are larger than gray foxes overall. Despite their names, red foxes aren’t all red; they may be orange, russet, or even black. Gray foxes are generally dark gray with a lighter underside.

Habitat: Red foxes are more commonly seen in urban areas of the SW and SE United States, while gray foxes tend to avoid settled areas. Both are very common throughout the region.

Habits:

  • Red foxes have adapted to live near humans; gray foxes prefer rural areas.
  • Both types of foxes are omnivorous.
  • Young foxes (called “kits”) will stay with their mothers until they are about 10 months old.

Foxes in the SW and SE United States

There are two common types of fox in the area – the red fox and the gray fox. Both types are omnivorous and primarily nocturnal, but may be active at any time of the day or night. Foxes may scavenge through unsecured garbage. Foxes usually have a set territory of around 2 to 7 square miles, but many have no home range. They are usually solitary unless raising young.

Fox Habitat

Foxes are everywhere throughout most of the US. In addition to their usual forest habitat, red foxes have adapted to live alongside humans to some extent and are increasingly found in urban areas.

Gray foxes, however, avoid settled areas and stick to forests and fields. Gray foxes are also capable of climbing trees, which lets them escape predators and find food.

Both foxes build dens in secluded areas to raise their young, and may even build these dens near human dwellings, including under decks or near foundations.

Fox Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Foxes may carry rabies. If you notice a fox behaving oddly – such as unusual aggression or tameness, disorientation, or pacing in circles – get in touch with emergency services or animal control right away. Do not approach a fox under any circumstances, even if it does not present symptoms.

The primary threat that foxes pose is to pets and other small animals, such as poultry. Keep your cats and small dogs indoors to protect them from foxes and other animals that could harm them. If you need to let your pets outside, supervise them closely or keep them on a leash. Foxes are very unlikely to attack if people are nearby.

In non-emergency situations, count on a professional wildlife removal company to help.

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