Oklahoma’s diverse landscapes provide suitable environments for various wildlife, including several species of foxes. These adaptable canids are native inhabitants of the state. Their presence across different regions of Oklahoma highlights the varied habitats available, from dense woodlands to expansive prairies.
Oklahoma’s Fox Species
Oklahoma is home to three primary fox species: the Red Fox, the Gray Fox, and the Swift Fox. Each species possesses unique characteristics that allow them to thrive in different ecological niches across the state.
The Gray Fox stands out due to its remarkable ability to climb trees. This arboreal skill provides them with access to different food sources and an escape route from predators. The Swift Fox is known for its speed and smaller stature, typically inhabiting open, flat grasslands.
Identifying Features and Habitats
The Red Fox ( _Vulpes vulpes_ ) is easily identified by its reddish-brown coat and its distinctive bushy tail tipped with white fur. These foxes typically weigh between 10 to 15 pounds and measure about 36 to 41 inches in length. Red foxes are highly adaptable and can be found across various habitats in Oklahoma, including farmlands, forests, semi-arid regions, and suburban areas. They often establish dens near fence lines, brush piles, or the edges of woodlots, and are frequently observed during dawn and dusk.
The Gray Fox ( _Urocyon cinereoargenteus_ ) is characterized by its salt-and-pepper gray fur on its back and sides, reddish-brown patches on its neck, ears, and legs, and a long, bushy tail with a black stripe along the top that ends in a black tip. They are generally smaller than red foxes, with males weighing up to 15 pounds and females slightly less. Gray foxes are unique among North American canids for their ability to climb trees. They prefer dense woodlands, brushy areas, and riparian zones for their habitat, often seeking shelter in hollow logs, rock crevices, or burrows.
The Swift Fox ( _Vulpes velox_ ) is the smallest fox species in Oklahoma, typically weighing between 3 to 7 pounds and standing about 12 inches tall at the shoulder. Their slender bodies are covered in a dark, grayish-tan coat that blends to yellowish-tan on their sides and legs, with a pale yellow to white throat, chest, and belly. A black-tipped tail and black patches on their muzzle are also distinguishing features. Swift foxes primarily inhabit open short-grass prairies and grasslands. In Oklahoma, they are most often found in the High Plains of the Panhandle, utilizing burrows for denning.