Foxes are present throughout Pennsylvania, inhabiting diverse environments. Their presence is a common aspect of the state’s varied wildlife, contributing to the ecological balance of both wild and human-dominated landscapes.
Red and Gray Foxes
Pennsylvania is home to two primary fox species: the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). The red fox typically displays reddish-orange fur, sometimes darker on its back, with black ears, legs, and feet. Its most identifiable feature is a long, bushy tail consistently tipped with white fur.
Red foxes measure 22 to 25 inches in body length, with an additional 14- to 16-inch tail, and weigh 8 to 12 pounds. They communicate through a diverse range of vocalizations, including barks, screams, howls, squeals, and a chattering sound known as “gekkering.” In contrast, the gray fox features a grizzled gray coat and a bushy tail with a black streak running down its length, ending in a black tip.
Gray foxes are comparable in size, ranging from 21 to 29 inches in length with an 11- to 16-inch tail, weighing between 7 and 13 pounds. A unique characteristic of the gray fox is its ability to climb trees. Gray foxes primarily use dog-like barking noises, particularly for self-defense.
Habitat and Diet
Foxes exhibit remarkable adaptability, allowing them to thrive in diverse Pennsylvania habitats. Red foxes often prefer sparsely settled, rolling farm areas that include wooded tracts, marshes, and streams. They can also be found in more populated suburban settings. Gray foxes, conversely, are more commonly encountered in brushy areas, swampy lands, and rugged, mountainous terrain, favoring denser cover. Both species are widespread across the entire state.
These opportunistic predators maintain an omnivorous diet, consuming whatever food sources are most readily available. Their meals frequently include small mammals such as mice, rats, rabbits, woodchucks, and opossums. Foxes also prey on birds and their eggs, insects, and even domestic poultry or small cats if the opportunity arises. Additionally, their diet incorporates various plant materials, including fruits, berries, and grasses. They are known to scavenge, often feeding on road-killed animals.
Coexisting with Foxes
Living alongside foxes in Pennsylvania requires precautions. Foxes can appear in residential areas, especially when searching for food. To minimize potential conflicts, securing outdoor pet food and trash is advisable. Small pets should be supervised when outdoors, as foxes may perceive them as prey. Keeping cats indoors helps prevent interactions.
Foxes can carry rabies, a viral disease that can be transmitted to humans and other animals through bites or scratches. Any wild animal exhibiting uncharacteristic behavior should be avoided. Pet vaccinations against rabies protect domestic animals. If a fox acts erratically, the Pennsylvania Game Commission can provide guidance.