Species: Urocyon cinereoargenteus
Genus: Urocyon
Conservation Status: Least Concern
General Overview
The grey fox is an omnivorous mammal of the family Canidae. It is widespread throughout North and Central America, and is the only living member along with the Island fox of the genus Urocyon. Its species name cinereoargenteus means “ashen silver”.
It used to be the most common fox in the eastern United States; it is still found there, but human advancement and deforestation have allowed the red fox to become the predominant fox species. However, the grey fox has thrived in urban and suburban environments, such as in southern Florida.
Description
The grey fox is mainly distinguished from other canids by its grizzled upper parts, black stripe down its tail, and a strong neck. Its skull is distinguished from other North American canids by its widely separated temporal ridges that form a ‘U’-shape. Like other foxes, the grey fox has angular, pointed ears and a pointed muzzle. Its claws tend to be longer and curved.
There is little sexual dimorphism, although females are slightly smaller than males. The grey fox ranges from 76 to 112.5 cm in total length. The tail measures 27.5 to 44.3 cm of that length. They typically weigh between 3.6 to 7kg, although they can weigh as much as 9 kg. The grey fox has a stripe of black hair that runs along the middle of its tail, and has white fur on their underside and ears. They also have black around their eyes, lips and nose.
In contrast to species of the genus Vulpes, the grey fox has oval eyes rather than slit-like pupils. The grey fox also has reddish colouration on parts of its body, such as its legs, sides, feet, chest, and sides of their head and neck. They can weigh similarly to red foxes, but they appear smaller as their fur is not as long.
Distribution and Habitat
The species occurs throughout most rocky, wooded, brushy regions of the Southern half of North America. The species prefers a mix of wooded and agricultural land. It is the only canid whose natural range spans both North and South America. In southeastern Mexico, the species prefers areas with human presence such as near roads.
Behaviour
The grey fox is specifically adapted to be able to climb trees. It has strong, hooked claws, allowing it to scramble up trees to escape many predators, such as the domestic dog or coyote. The claws also allow it to reach tree-bound food sources. It descends primarily by jumping from branch to branch, or by descending slowly backwards like a domestic cat. The fox is primarily nocturnal or crepuscular. They make their dens in hollow trees, stumps or appropriated burrows during the day. They usually prefer to rest on the ground rather than higher up in trees.
Because coyote populations have increased across North America, grey foxes choose habitats that let them escape coyotes. Therefore, they tend to live nearer to areas where humans are active. Larger predators like coyotes and bobcats tend to avoid human-use areas and paved roads. Grey foxes primarily use the edges of forests as a travel corridor, as well as for hunting and to escape predators.
Interspecies Competition
Grey foxes often hunt for the same prey as bobcats and coyotes, which occupy the same region. In order to avoid interspecific competition, the grey fox will take measures such as giving space to the coyote to prevent confrontation. They also occupy different habitats to competitors, and are more active at night than during the day to avoid larger diurnal competitors.
Diet
The grey fox is an omnivorous and solitary hunter. It eats rabbits, voles, shrews, birds, among other rodents. When available, the grey fox will feed on carrion. The grey fox also eats insects and fruit, which is an important component of their diet. The grey fox eats more vegetable matter than the red fox. They mark areas of food with their urine, so as to allow them to find the food again later, as well as preventing other animals from taking it.
Ecosystem Role
Grey foxes eat rats and mice, making them important regulators of small rodent populations.
Hunting
Unfortunately, grey foxes are hunted in the US. It has been recently reported that over 500,000 grey foxes are killed annually for their fur.
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