Long Island’s diverse ecosystems support a variety of wildlife, including foxes, which often thrive even near human activity. Understanding their presence and behaviors helps foster harmonious coexistence.
Fox Species on Long Island
Two primary fox species are found on Long Island. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most common and abundant species. They have an orange-red coat, black legs, ears, and a distinctive white-tipped bushy tail. Red foxes typically weigh 8 to 15 pounds.
The gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) also inhabits Long Island, though in smaller numbers. They have salt-and-pepper gray fur with reddish-brown patches and black-tipped bushy tails. Red foxes have white-tipped tails, while gray foxes have black-tipped tails. Gray foxes are also notable for their ability to climb trees.
Where Foxes Live and Their Habits
Red foxes are adaptable, thriving in various Long Island habitats like woodlands, wetlands, brushy fields, and suburban areas. Gray foxes prefer denser cover such as thickets, riparian zones, swampy areas, and rocky terrain. Both species are primarily crepuscular, active during dawn and dusk. Red foxes may also be seen during daylight, especially when foraging for young.
Foxes are omnivores with a diverse diet. Their diet includes small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, vegetables, and carrion. They are opportunistic foragers and may use human-provided food sources. Red foxes typically use abandoned burrows for dens, while gray foxes often choose hollow logs, tree cavities, or rock crevices. Foxes live in small family units, with both parents caring for their pups.
Living Alongside Long Island Foxes
Coexisting with foxes on Long Island involves simple practices to minimize conflicts. Secure outdoor food sources: keep garbage in animal-proof containers, feed pets indoors, and clean up fallen fruit or bird feeder spills. These measures reduce their attraction to human environments.
Protecting domestic animals also helps safe coexistence. Keep cats indoors, especially at night, to prevent encounters. House outdoor pets like chickens or rabbits in predator-proof enclosures. Fencing should be at least six feet high, buried two feet deep with an L-shaped footer, and potentially have an outward-facing overhang.
If a fox approaches, act assertively: make loud noises, wave arms, or throw objects, rather than running. This reinforces their natural wariness of humans. Foxes help manage rodent populations. While not dangerous to humans, avoid direct handling of any wild animal.