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| Similar to the red fox in general build, but different coloration, and slightly smaller (35"-44" long, 5-14lb). Upperparts are mixed gray and black, with a considerable amound of reddish brown fur on the sides of the neck, backs of the ears, insides and backs of the legs, the feet, sides of the belly and underside of teh tail. Tail is gray above, with a mane of coarse black hairs for the entire lenght, and terminates with a black tip. Cheeks, throat, and belly are whitish. Gray foxes are found throughout the U.S. and Mexico. They prefer wooded and fairly open brushy areas. They use dens for warmth more than the red fox, locating them in hollow logs, trees, under rock piles, or occasionally underground. Gray foxes are primarily nocturnal, but like red foxes are seen during daylight hours on occasion. In contrast to red foxes, gray foxes readily climb trees; they use trees to bask in the sun. Gray foxes feed mainly on mice and rabbits, and their fur is not used as often as a red fox pelt because it tends to be coarse and thin. |
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