Gray Fox
Urocyon cinereoargenteus
The gray fox is one of only two canid species in the world capable of climbing trees, using its sharp, semi-retractable claws to scramble up trunks.
- Scientific name
- Urocyon cinereoargenteus
- Taxonomy
- Animalia › Chordata › Mammalia › Carnivora › Canidae › Urocyon
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- forest
- Habitat
- Deciduous forests, brushlands, and rocky woodlands with dense cover.
- Diet
- Omnivorous; feeds on small mammals, birds, insects, berries, nuts, and carrion.
- Range
- North America, Central America
- Size
- Length: 76-105 cm (30-41 in), Weight: 3-7 kg (7-15 lbs)
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years in the wild
- Active
- crepuscular
- Threats
- Habitat fragmentation, disease (rabies, canine distemper), and vehicle collisions.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless and generally shy. If encountered, maintain a respectful distance of at least 15 feet and enjoy the sighting; they will likely flee or climb a tree. Never attempt to feed or corner them. In the rare event of a bite or scratch, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water and seek immediate medical attention due to rabies risk.
The gray fox ( Urocyon cinereoargenteus ), or grey fox , is a carnivorous mammal of the family Canidae, widespread throughout northern and central America. This species and its only congener, the diminutive Channel Island fox ( Urocyon littoralis ), are the only living members of the genus Urocyon , which is considered to be the most basal of the living canids. Though it was once the most common fox in the eastern United States, and still is found there, human advancement...
Photo: Brian Gratwicke, CC-BY, via iNaturalist
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