Gray Fox
ExploreMammals
Gray Fox
Urocyon cinereoargenteus
The Gray Fox is a clever little animal with a beautiful gray coat. They are great climbers and can often be seen resting in trees. These foxes are shy and prefer to stay hidden during the day.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Gray Fox has grizzled gray fur on its back, head, and sides, with reddish-brown patches on its neck, legs, and flanks. Its belly is white, and a distinct black stripe runs down its bushy tail, ending in a black tip. Unlike other foxes, it has short, stocky legs.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderCarnivoraFamilyCanidaeGenusUrocyon
Category
MammalsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
22
Interesting facts
Gray Fox pups, called kits, stay with their parents for many months learning to hunt.
Gray Foxes are one of the most ancient canids, evolving millions of years ago!
Their diet is incredibly varied, eating everything from mice to ripe berries and insects!
They are the only canid that can semi-retract its claws, like a cat!
Special abilities
Ability
Arboreal Acrobat
Gray Fox can climb trees with ease, using strong claws and flexible wrists to escape predators or find food.
Ability
Climbing Paws
Gray Fox has semi-retractable claws, rare for a canid, that help them grip tree trunks like a cat!
Ability
Omnivore's Delight
Gray Fox can thrive on a very diverse diet, switching from meat to fruits and nuts with the seasons.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 76-112 cm
- Weight
- 3.6-7 kg
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years
- Top Speed
- 48 km/h
- Litter Size
- 2-7
- Gestation
- 53-63 days
Diet & Feeding
A versatile omnivore, eating small animals, birds, insects, and lots of fruits and plants.
Primary Foods
- rodents
- rabbits
- birds
- insects
- berries
- nuts
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
hunts
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Eastern Cottontail
Sylvilagus floridanus
A common prey item for Gray Foxes.
hunts
Deer Mouse
Peromyscus maniculatus
Small mammals form a key part of their diet.
depends on
White Oak
Quercus alba
Eats acorns and uses trees for shelter.
eaten by
Great Horned Owl
Bubo virginianus
Predates on young kits or smaller adults.
Traits
Furry
Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur.
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
Tree Fox
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
If you see a fox, it's best to watch from a distance and not approach it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Gray Fox?
The easiest way to identify Gray Fox is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Gray Fox?
76-112 cm
How much does Gray Fox weigh?
3.6-7 kg
How long does Gray Fox live?
6-10 years
How fast can Gray Fox move?
48 km/h
What does Gray Fox eat?
A versatile omnivore, eating small animals, birds, insects, and lots of fruits and plants.
Where is Gray Fox usually found?
Forests
How does Gray Fox hunt?
Foraging
Snap Map
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Recent Snaps
Nov 30, 2025
San Luis Obispo Botanical Gardeni
Photo attribution
no rights reserved
License: CC0 1.0 ↗
Image may be shown cropped inside the card frame.
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