Michigan is home to several wildlife species, including foxes, present across the state. These adaptable canids navigate various environments, from dense woodlands to the edges of urban areas. This article explores Michigan’s fox species and offers insights into coexisting with them.
Fox Species Present in Michigan
Michigan hosts two primary fox species: the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). While their names suggest distinct colors, both species vary in fur shade. The red fox, despite its name, can have fur ranging from rusty red and orange to sandy blonde, and even black or silver phases. A distinguishing feature is its long, bushy tail, consistently tipped with white. Red foxes are generally larger than gray foxes, weighing between 7 and 15 pounds, with a more pointed face and snout.
The gray fox displays a “salt-and-pepper” gray coat, but can also show reddish tones. A key identifier is a black stripe along the top of its tail, ending in a black tip. Gray foxes are slightly smaller than red foxes, usually weighing 6 to 15 pounds, and possess a more “cat-like” face with a shorter snout. The gray fox possesses semi-retractable claws, enabling it to climb trees, a behavior not observed in red foxes.
Their Habitats and Distribution
Both red and gray fox species are widespread throughout Michigan. However, their preferred habitats differ. Red foxes are adaptable and often thrive in “edge” habitats, such as woodland edges bordering open fields, meadows, and agricultural lands. Their adaptability allows them to inhabit suburban and urban areas where food sources are readily available, making them common near human settlements.
Gray foxes, conversely, prefer denser cover, including forested and brushy areas, wetlands, and rocky terrains. They are less commonly found near human habitation compared to red foxes. While both species are adaptable, gray foxes associate with deciduous forests, particularly where woodlands meet farmlands. They may also utilize hollow trees or logs for dens, sometimes at significant heights due to their climbing ability.
Living Alongside Foxes
Observing foxes can be a rewarding experience, as they are shy animals that prefer distance from humans. Foxes are primarily crepuscular, meaning they are most active during dawn and dusk, but they can also be seen during the day. Seeing a fox during daylight hours does not indicate illness; it is often a sign they are foraging for food, especially when raising young.
To coexist peacefully with foxes, avoid intentionally feeding them. Leaving pet food outdoors, exposed garbage, or accessible compost can attract foxes to residential areas. If a fox is sighted, it is best to observe from a distance and not attempt to approach or handle the animal. While foxes are generally not dangerous to humans, they are wild animals and can carry diseases like rabies, though rabies in foxes is rare in Michigan.