Buzz
It might seem like all foxes are the same, but while they belong to the Canidae family, communicate with barks, yips, and squeals, and have similar nocturnal and crepuscular habits, there are actually several different types roaming the forests of North America. Once you begin to compare them, you'll discover a range of notable differences between the species.
Let’s take a closer look at two common fox species found in North America—the red fox and the gray fox—and some tips on how to easily distinguish between them.
Species | Latin Name | Coat Color | Face Shape | Habitat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Red Fox | Vulpes vulpes | Can be red, black, silver, and red/silver; will usually have black legs and black ear tips, and often has a white tail tip | Long, pointy snouts with pointier, dog-like ears | Urban, suburban, and agricultural neighborhoods, as well as forests and marshes |
Gray Fox | Urocyon cinereoargenteus | Salt and pepper gray, with a black dorsal stripe and black-tipped tails | Shorter, stouter snout with slightly rounded, more cat-like ears | Forests and marshes, usually farther away from human settlements |
How to Distinguish Red Foxes from Gray Foxes at a Glance
There are several visual cues to help distinguish a red fox (Vulpes vulpes) from a gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). A word of caution: their names can be misleading! While red foxes are known for their reddish fur, they come in various color morphs, such as yellowish-red, black, silver, albino, or even a blend of red and silver known as a ‘cross fox.’ That said, red foxes usually have black legs, a white-tipped tail, and black-tipped ears.
A silver morph red fox mother and her kits. | Wolfgang Kaehler/GettyImagesOn the other hand, most gray foxes sport dark, grizzled gray coats with a salt-and-pepper pattern, a black stripe down their backs, and black-tipped tails. Occasionally, they show reddish or rusty coloring around their necks and legs.
Both fox species typically measure between 31 and 44 inches from nose to tail and weigh between 7 and 15 pounds, with males being slightly larger than females. However, the gray fox may seem smaller due to its shorter legs and more compact body.
Their faces show distinct differences as well. Red foxes bear more resemblance to dogs, with longer snouts and pointed, canine-like ears. In contrast, gray foxes have a more cat-like look, featuring shorter snouts and more rounded ears.
Gray Fox vs. Red Fox: Comparing Their Habitats and Ranges
Both red and gray foxes are found throughout North America, with their ranges overlapping across most of the U.S. The red fox's territory stretches into much of Canada, and due to warming temperatures, they’ve recently encroached on the arctic fox’s habitat. Meanwhile, the gray fox is more commonly seen further south, in Mexico and Central America.
If you spot a fox climbing a tree, it's certainly a gray fox. | Kathleen Reeder Wildlife Photography/Moment/Getty ImagesRed foxes can adapt to a wide range of environments. They can be found in urban, suburban, and agricultural areas, as well as in forests and wetlands. These foxes often dig their own dens or take over ones previously made by other animals to raise their young. It’s not uncommon to find a red fox family living beneath a backyard shed or deck.
In contrast, gray foxes tend to live in more remote areas, avoiding human contact. They are typically found deeper in wooded regions, closer to lakes, rivers, and marshes, and prefer den sites in rocky crevices or hollowed-out trees. Gray foxes stand out for their exceptional climbing abilities, aided by sharp, curved claws and the ability to rotate their forelegs to grasp tree trunks.
What do red and gray foxes consume?
Both red and gray foxes are opportunistic omnivores, eating a wide variety of food. They hunt birds, insects, and small mammals, with gray foxes particularly fond of rabbits. They also enjoy berries. When food is plentiful, they often store it for later by burying it under leaves, snow, or piles of brush.
