Gray Fox

Gray foxes differ from red foxes in several ways.

There are no color variations in the gray fox where red foxes can be red, black or silver tipped. The head is slightly broader, the animals are not as heavy, and they have claws that are significantly longer and sharper. This last characteristic allows the gray fox to climb trees either in leaps like a cat or hugging the trunk like a bear. The gray fox will also burrow when it is pursued rather than running. This make it much less of a favorite with hunters.

Because of its thick coat the fox appears much larger than it actually is. Females are slightly smaller than males. The gray fox looses its coat annually. This is called a molt. The coat is speckled gray with a buff underbelly. Parts of the legs, tail, neck, and back are reddish orange, and it has black markings on its head.

Similarities include the fact that all foxes are opportunistic feeders. This means that they will eat what ever is available. They can be equally satisfied dining on meat, fruit, vegetables, insects or small mammals, especially cotton tail rabbits. Therefore foxes can survive a multitude of conditions in their environment.

The gray fox is more nocturnal than the red fox, not as wary, and not nearly as noisy. Mating occurs in mid-winter, with gestation lasting about 63 days. Pups are born in the spring, leave their mothers in the fall, and are totally independent and sexually mature by mid-winter.

This species of fox is found in most states except for the Rocky Mountains and some plains states. In Minnesota they are found mostly in the southeastern counties. They can survive in a variety of habitats but prefer wooded areas or heavy brush.