Gray Fox

Gray foxes are primarily found in southern/southwest Wisconsin and have several notable differences from the more common red fox. Gray foxes have retractable claws (like cats), are excellent tree climbers, and are smaller in size with a gray coat. They prefer bluffs, hills, woodlands and field edges for den sites. Dens are often located on a brushy and timbered hillside and may be in a brush pile, beneath a rock outcrop, in a hollow tree or log and less frequently in an underground burrow. A gray fox tree den may even be located 30 feet above the ground. The den is lined with grass, leaves or shredded bark.

They breed between mid-February and late March. From April to mid-May, 3-4 young, called kits, are born. At birth, kits weigh about three ounces and are dark-skinned, blind and naked. In 10-12 days, fuzzy fur begins to develop, and their eyes open. By three months, kits are following their mother away from the den; by four months, they are hunting on their own. Kits stay with their parents until fall, when they leave and live independently.

Tip: Gray fox kits may be seen outside their den exploring or playing during the day while their parents are nearby, usually out of sight and hunting for food. Observe the kits from a distance; if they seem energetic and healthy, leave the area. Unless the kit appears weak, injured alone and crying for hours or if you have reason to believe both parents are dead, it should be left alone.