Foxes are present in Arkansas, with two native species: the red fox and the gray fox. Both species are found statewide, adapting to various environments. They are active during twilight hours and at night, though daytime sightings can occur, especially when raising young.
Fox Species and Habitats in Arkansas
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the more common of Arkansas’s two native fox species. They have an orange-red coat with whitish undersides, black legs, and black-tipped ears, distinguished by a prominent white-tipped tail. Red foxes weigh 8 to 15 pounds and measure 39 to 43 inches long, including their bushy tail. This species prefers open habitats like pastures, meadows, and woodland edges, and can also be found near creeks and rivers. They adapt to suburban and urban settings, often seen in parks and residential areas.
The gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) also inhabits Arkansas, though more secretive than its red counterpart. This species has a grizzled gray upper coat, with rust and white highlights on its underside, and a distinct black stripe running down its tail ending in a black tip. Gray foxes are slightly smaller, weighing 7 to 15 pounds and reaching 30 to 44 inches long. Unlike many other canids, gray foxes have unique hooked claws that enable them to climb trees, a behavior used to escape predators or seek food. They prefer dense wooded areas, brushy terrain, and rocky landscapes, including pinyon-juniper woodlands.
Living Alongside Foxes in Arkansas
Foxes are shy animals that avoid human contact. If observed, they flee, making close encounters uncommon. While reclusive, foxes may venture into human-populated areas, particularly if food sources are available or during breeding season when seeking den sites. They might establish temporary dens under porches or structures while raising young, usually moving on by late June.
To discourage foxes from residential areas, managing attractants is effective. Securing trash cans with tight lids and avoiding leaving pet food outdoors prevents scavenging. Clearing clutter like woodpiles and overgrown vegetation reduces hiding spots and denning locations. If a fox is sighted, observe it from a distance. Making noise or increasing activity around a den site can encourage them to relocate without harm.