Foxes
Gray Foxes
© Ashley Kinney
Along with the wolf and the coyote, the fox is a member of the dog family. The Gray Fox ranges throughout most of the United States except the northwest and Rocky Mountains and south through most of South America.
The Gray Fox is the most common fox found in California. This fox is silvery gray in color, with patches of yellow, brown and white on the throat and belly. They are the only true tree-climbers among canids (dogs), climbing to sun themselves or to escape predators. They are also good swimmers.
Gray foxes give birth to 3 – 5 young in April or May, with the male remaining with the female while the young are dependent. The young first leave the den area to hunt with their parents when they are about 3 months old. Foxes usually den in hollow logs, beneath boulders or in ground burrows. They are omnivorous eating small mammals, insects, fruit, birds, eggs, and carrion. When hunting, the Gray Fox is solitary. They can live to 6 – 8 years, but most die within the first year from disease, predation, accidents, trapping, and hunting. Foxes rarely fight except to defend their young; their preferred defense is to remain elusive.
How to observe: Foxes are not usually seen in open country. With binoculars, watch for movement along hedges, fences, bushes lining streams, and other places with cover where a fox would feel comfortable. In areas where hunting is forbidden, foxes tend to be less shy; they will even approach campsites to look for debris.
Foxes Raiding Garbage Cans or Entering Yard
Why? Foxes are opportunistic feeders. As fox habitat is lost to human development, foxes will seek out other sources for food.
Suggestions:
- Secure garbage lids with rope, chains, or bungee cords or keep trashcans in your garage until trash day.
- Remove fallen fruit from the area.
- Fence the yard to deny access.
- Repair holes in fences. Foxes can squeeze through holes 4 x 4 inches square or smaller.
- Turn on outside lights.
Sick or Disoriented Foxes
Why? Foxes are at risk of mange, canine distemper, and rabies. Symptoms include walking in circles, disorientation, and drooling.
Suggestions: Do not attempt to touch a sick fox. Keep the animal in sight and call the Wildlife Center or animal control.