gray fox

gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) Photo © Rob Curtis/The Early Birder

The gray fox has a head-body length of about 21 to 29 inches and a tail about 11 to 16 inches in length. This mammal weighs between five and one-half and nine pounds. Its back fur is gray with a salt-and-pepper look. The fur on the back part of its ears, the belly, the top of all feet, the sides and the underside of the tail is a light red color. There is a white furred stripe underneath the body from the throat to the tail. The tail has a black line down the middle and a black tip. The chin, lips and nose are black. The ears stand straight up and are very noticeable.

The gray fox may be found statewide in Illinois, living in wooded areas. This mammal is an omnivore that eats fruits, birds, corn, insects, nuts, mice, rabbits and roots. It is a very good tree climber and may use a tree for a resting place. Mating occurs from January through March. Young are born in April and May after a gestation period of about two months. Litter size averages about four. Young are on their own after about four months.

​Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Mammalia
Order: Carnivora
Family: Canidae