Urocyon cinereoargenteus

Grey foxes are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular, foraging alone or in mated pairs across woodlands, shrublands, and suburban edges. They have a varied diet—fruit, small mammals, birds, insects, and carrion—and use tree cavities or dense brush for denning and resting.

Pair bonds form in late winter; after a gestation of about 51–53 days, females give birth to litters of 2–7 kits in dens under tree roots or hollow logs. Kits remain in the den for roughly six weeks, are weaned at about three months, and disperse by fall to establish their own territories.

Weighing 3–5 kg (7–11 lb) and measuring about 76–112 cm (30–44 in) nose–tail, grey foxes have semi-retractable claws and a rotating wrist joint that enable climbing. Their slender muzzle, large ears, and bushy tail assist with forage, predator avoidance, and balance in the trees.

The grey fox’s lineage dates back millions of years, making it one of the oldest living canid species. Once widespread across North America, it has long coexisted with indigenous peoples, who respected its cunning nature, and later adapted to fragmented and urbanizing landscapes.

Listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, grey fox populations remain stable overall, though local declines occur due to habitat loss, vehicle collisions, and occasional predator control measures. Their adaptability to diverse habitats—including suburban woodlots—has helped them persist despite human encroachment.