Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
The gray pelt is made up of mixed dark and light guard hairs over a light gray-brown underfur. The gray fox flanks, neck, and legs are a rusty tan to orange.
Reproduction
Gray fox breed in January and February with the Young being born about 50-60 days later. Litters of from 1 to 7 young are normal. In many respects the reproductive behavior and denning habits of gray fox are similar to those listed before for red fox.
Habitat
Gray fox seem to prefer more dense and moist cover than do red fox. They are found in overgrown fields, swamps, and cut-over woodland.
Habits
The gray fox chiefly is a nocturnal
predator. Being omnivorous, gray fox consume insects,
vertebrates, fruits, and berries. Like the red fox, the gray
fox is an excellent mouser. Aside from their preference for
denser cover, gray fox are quite similar to their red
relatives in behavior. Gray fox and red fox are rather
intolerant of one another, but their habitat preferences
tend to keep them from having a great amount of interaction.
Diseases
Gray fox are susceptible to both distemper and rabies, the precautions mentioned earlier for red fox, for being bit or in handling animals found dead or dying should be followed with gray fox as well.
Trapping Tactics
The same trapping techniques used for red fox may used in trapping grays.
Baits and Lures
The same baits and lures used for red fox trapping can be used in trapping gray fox. Gray fox urine will attract gray fox. Commercial lures are made for gray fox, but lures made for red fox will also work quite effectively. As with red fox, gland lures are among the most effective and selective fox lures.
