# 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.

- **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.

## About

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...

## Sources

- Plate: https://gaia-dex.com/species/2885dd47-f4e5-4b34-ad3b-8ecaee093677
- iNaturalist: https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/42076
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urocyon cinereoargenteus
- Conservation status: IUCN Red List category, as recorded by Gaia-Dex
- Photo: https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/452250669/medium.jpg (Brian Gratwicke, CC-BY, via iNaturalist)

Habitat, diet, size and similar notes are AI-written summaries; check them against the linked sources before relying on them.