The Tale of the Fox.....

- The cunning of the fox is well documented in many parts of Tennessee. And since I have been asked several fox questions recently, and have actually seen two specimens the last few days, it is time to pay tribute to the fox. Actually two foxes....the Red Fox and the Gray Fox.

- Both the Red and the Gray Fox are found in our part of Tennessee, though not commonly seen. Both are primarily nocturnal, though on occasion they are seen around dusk or dawn.

- Foxes are being seen more this time of year because the males are seeking out the females for breeding, thus more travel and exposure. Same is true for Woodchucks, Skunks, and many of the smaller mammals. No doubt, for this reason, February leads all the months for road kill. Gestation is generally 50-55 days in the foxes with the young being born in late March to early May. Foxes are lithe and graceful, with adults ranging from 8-15 lbs. They stand approximately 13-16" at the shoulder, and range from 35"-41" in length.

- The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), top two photos, is a strikingly beautiful animal, especially in winter, when the coat is full. Regardless of where they are found, they most always are reddish above, have a white tipped tail, black 'stockings' and feet, pointed ears, and a long, bushy tail. Black phases and 'cross' phases are known. Red Foxes, like the Gray, often den on a slope, creek bank, or near rocks, many times in 'remodeled' woodchuck holes. They will have a main den entrance and 1-3 inconspicuous 'escape' holes. The main entrance is often littered with the remains of small prey animals and feathers. Foxes typically have 3-8 kits. The den is abandoned by August, when families disperse. Until the next breeding season, males/females pay little, if any attention to each other. When about 1 month old kits begin to play above ground. The mother at first digests, then regurgitates meat, but soon live prey is brought to the den, so the young can begin to practice the craft of killing. Kits leave the den at about 4 months. Males may wander up to 100+ miles, females not so much. Other than the breeding/parenting period, foxes are solitary, nervous and shy. They are omnivorous, feeding heavily on vegetation in summer, especially berries, corn, apples, even grapes and later in autumn, acorns. Invertebrates such as crickets, beetles and crayfish are also eaten. In winter birds and small mammals are the mainstays of the fox diet.

- The Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), is similar to the Red in size, but with distinct differences. This species is grizzled gray above, with a white throat and a black 'mane' on top of the tail. The tail typically has a black tip. They are reddish below the dominant gray and usually have some red on the back of the head. This species eats more berries in summer than does the Red, otherwise hunting habits/food are similar. As the photo shows, the Gray, unlike the Red, can climb trees (the only American canid capable of doing so), and often does so when chasing squirrels or evading threat. Interestingly, the male of this species helps with the rearing of the young, but does not reside in the same den (males of the Red Fox also help with the young). Dens are often near/among rocks and they, unlike the Red, will use the den all winter for safety and shelter. Bobcats and domestic dogs are the chief predators of the foxes, if they can catch them. Reds especially are hard to catch, as they seem to have greater speed and endurance than the Gray, but the Red does not have the option of the trees.

- Locally, the foxes seem to be holding their own, with the Gray somewhat more common than the Red. Influx of the Coyote has most likely reduced their numbers in some locations. Considering their habits and lifestyle, seeing either of these species in the wild is a treat. They are masters of escape. Many are endeared to the fox due to the unusual habit of both parents caring for the young. My experience with the foxes is that you see them when you least expect to, and almost always they disappear quickly. Once feared as a carrier of rabies, this is now rare, though possible. Other than this, the foxes pose no threat to humans.