Gray Fox
Gray fox are small, beautiful canines that are relatively common, but rarely seen. They are unique among dog species for their ability to climb trees.
About This Species
The grey fox is a small, reclusive member of the canid - or dog - family that can be found widely across the state. Sometimes call a tree fox or cat fox, gray foxes are unique in the canid family, in that they are one of two species of canid that climb trees. They have rotating wrists and semi-retractable claws that help them climb up high to den, forage, or escape predators. This is a risky behavior for these fox, as they are not great at climbing down, and can easily injure themselves in the process.
The grey fox lineage is the most primitive of all canines and suggests a North American origin of about 10 million years ago.
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Physical Characteristics
Adult gray foxes can be two and a half to four feet in length, including their tails, which make up 40% of their overall length. They weigh 6 to 15 pounds.
Gray fox have coarse, salt and pepper gray hair with black markings on the head, nose and muzzle. A thin black stripe runs from the outside corner of each eye to the sides of the head. They have reddish fur on their legs and chest with white on their throats and inside their legs up their bellies. They will also have a medial black stripe down the top surface of the tail with a black tip.
Range
Common throughout Colorado, but are rarely seen due to their shy, nocturnal nature.
Habitat
Gray fox prefer rocky canyons and ridges, but can also be found in wooded areas, open desert and grasslands. They do not do well in urban areas and prefer more rural, remote habitats.
Diet
They are opportunistic foragers that will eat virtually every kind of meat, fruit, vegetable or insect. Their favorite meals are small mammals, such as woodrats, rabbits, and small rodents.
Reproduction
Gray fox mate in February or March with gestation lasting about 52 days and three to seven kits born in April or May. The young open their eyes at 10 days, and will venture out of the den after about four weeks. At 10 weeks they are weaned, with the father providing solid food for the entire family. They will all remain together until late fall, but will generally be solitary during the winter. In the wild, gray fox usually live between 7-10 years, although some do live to be much older.
Threats to Species
Predators include cougars, eagles, owls, bobcats, hawks, coyotes, and fur trappers.