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Fox (Gray)

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Urocyon cinereoargenteus
Fox (Gray)

Range

Gray fox live throughout Southern Canada down to Mexico and Central America with the exception of the northern Rockies in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho and Washington State.

Habitat

They are found in mixed forests, brushy areas, and swamps.

Body Traits

The gray fox has a grayish coat, with reddish-brown fur on its neck, legs, ears and tail. They also have white on their neck and the sides of their faces. They weigh about 10 pounds and are shorter than the red fox but stockier (more solid). The top of the tail and its tip are black.

Habits

They hold their tail out straight when they walk, like the red fox. They are active at night (nocturnal) and are much shyer than the red fox, so seen much less. They can carry rabies.

Diet

They eat small animals, fruit and scavenge dead animals (carrion).

Predators

Their main predator is man.

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Reproduction

The females are pregnant about 7 weeks (gestation). They have 4-5 pups in a brush nest, rocky crevice or tree cavity. Both parents care for their young.

Lifespan and/or Conservation Status

They live about 6 years in the wild. They are not threatened.

Fox (Gray)

Classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Subphylum: Vertebrata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Suborder: Caniformia
Family: Canidae
Genus: Urocyon
Species: Urocyon cinereoargenteus

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