Though most members of the canine family are not inclined to climb trees, there are exceptions to every rule. The Gray Fox is that exception.  It will climb a tree to escape its enemies, by grabbing the trunk with its forepaws and scrambling up with the long claws on its hind feet. It can make its way through the tree tops by jumping from branch to branch or shimmying down backwards. It will also sit in the trees and ambush its prey. To watch a Gray Fox climb a tree click here.

The Gray Fox is a is most active at dusk and dawn otherwise it rests in any secluded and comfortable place it can find. They are also extremely territorial. Unlike the Red Fox, the Gray Fox tends to avoid agricultural areas, preferring to find a den in rock formations, hollow logs and trees, and burrows and brush piles.

The Gray Fox is typically a solitary creature, only forming families for during breeding season. They eat many different things including berries, nuts, birds, insects, rabbits, and other rodents. If the Gray Fox has more food than it can eat it will bury it and go back later.

The Gray Fox has few natural predators though hawks, eagles, owls, bobcats, and dogs will eat the pups. The Gray Fox is not at any risk in the wild, but should be respected as a vital part of the world in which we live.

Posted in Species Spotlight