Gray Foxes

(Urocyon cinereoargenteus)

Gray foxes are often sighted on the campus. They weigh between 7 and 13 pounds and are about 3 to 3.5 feet long from nose to tail. Their fur is salt-and-pepper gray, and the back of their ears, legs and feet is a rusty-yellowish color. The tail is long, fairly bushy, and has a black dorsal stripe and a black tip.

They are omnivorous, eating small mammals, insects, fruits, birds, eggs and carrion. Foxes are particularly helpful on campus where they aid in controlling the ground squirrel population! These "cat-like" canines prefer diverse habitats and are found everywhere from rural areas to densely populated suburban areas. Gray foxes are sometimes referred to as tree foxes; they are the only true canid tree-climbers, climbing to escape danger, raid nests, or to simply relax in the safety of the branches. They are also good swimmers.

Their territory can range from 100 to 2,000 acres depending on such factors as food availability, population density, and competition. Gray foxes are normally timid and elusive, and generally avoid human contact. They tend to be nocturnal where humans are present. However, it is not uncommon to see foxes out and about in core campus during the mid-morning hours. The foxes around here have habituated to humans and seem to know that we pose no threat to them. Likewise, they pose no real threat to us.

They will, however, fiercely protect their young and every spring we receive calls from people about foxes behaving aggressively. Some people have even been chased off by them; this bold brazenness can be quite disarming. However, this behavior is usually a result of a protective vixen who is simply protecting her young. Wildlife are always fun to watch, especially a litter of fox pups. Although no one has ever been bitten on this campus by a fox, it is wise to give them a wide berth and observe them from a safe distance.

Living With Foxes

For the most part, the foxes on this campus engage in very few conflicts with people. Every once in a while we are called upon to evict a fox from under a deck or dwelling. They are quite beneficial because they help keep the rodent populations down. There are a few things that can be done to keep potential conflicts with foxes to a minimum:

• Foxes will sometimes den under a deck or patio. They den only when they are raising their young. We recommend tolerance until the young are weaned. As soon as the young leave the den, exclusion is recommended. In cases where they must be evicted, contact the Animal Control Officer for ideas.
• Foxes are attracted to food sources. Make sure garbage is disposed of properly and use tight fitting lids on garbage cans. Do not leave pet food outside.
• Outdoor pets may be at risk as foxes will sometimes prey on small kittens or poultry. The best method of control is exclusion.