Foxes are native to and common throughout Kentucky, inhabiting a wide range of environments from deep forests to the edges of urban centers. The Commonwealth is home to two distinct species, the Red Fox and the Gray Fox, which are widespread but exhibit unique behaviors and habitat preferences. Understanding the differences between these animals and learning simple preventative measures allows for safe coexistence.
The Two Primary Species of Kentucky Foxes
Kentucky is home to the Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), which are reliably distinguished by their physical traits. The Red Fox is the more widely recognized, characterized by its reddish-orange coat, black legs, and a long, bushy tail tipped with white fur. Red Foxes are generally larger than their gray counterparts, typically weighing between 7 and 15 pounds.
The Gray Fox has a salt-and-pepper gray coat, often highlighted by reddish or rusty patches on its neck, ears, and legs. Identification is easiest by noting the black stripe running down the top of its tail, culminating in a black tip, in contrast to the Red Fox’s white tip. The Gray Fox possesses semi-retractable, hooked claws, making it one of the few canids capable of climbing trees to escape predators or search for food.
Habitats and Distribution Across the State
Both fox species are distributed widely across Kentucky, but they tend to occupy different types of terrain. The Red Fox is adaptable and favors open habitats like pastures, woodland edges, and farmlands, where it hunts for small rodents. Their preference for open landscapes often brings them closer to human development, and they are commonly seen in suburban and urban parks.
The Gray Fox is more reclusive and tends to stick to areas with dense cover, such as thick forests, brushy thickets, and riparian zones. This preference for seclusion makes Gray Foxes less frequently observed by the general public. However, both species are increasingly encountered in backyards and residential areas as human development encroaches on their natural habitat.
Coexisting Safely with Foxes
Foxes are naturally shy animals that are generally crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. They are opportunistic omnivores whose diet mainly consists of mice, voles, rabbits, insects, and native fruits, but they will readily consume unsecured pet food or trash. The danger a fox poses to humans is minimal, but like all wild mammals, they can carry diseases like rabies and distemper.
The best way to discourage foxes from lingering near homes involves simple preventative measures focused on eliminating easy food sources. Securing trash cans with tight-fitting lids and feeding pets indoors removes two major attractants. Foxes sometimes temporarily den under porches or sheds while raising their young, typically leaving on their own by the end of June.
If a fox is causing a nuisance, non-lethal harassment, such as loud noises or sudden movements, can encourage them to relocate. For property damage or persistent issues, the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources regulates the hunting and trapping of both species and offers guidance on managing wildlife conflicts.