Arizona is home to several fox species, captivating creatures adapted to the state’s varied landscapes. These canids, belonging to the same family as dogs and wolves, thrive across diverse environments. Their presence contributes to the rich wildlife of the Grand Canyon State, from arid deserts to mountainous regions.
Fox Species Found in Arizona
Arizona supports three primary fox species: the Kit Fox, the Gray Fox, and the Red Fox. Each possesses distinct physical characteristics.
The Kit Fox (Vulpes macrotis) is the smallest North American fox, typically weighing 3 to 6 pounds and standing about a foot tall. It has sandy or grayish fur, a slender body, and notably large ears that aid in dissipating heat and enhancing its hearing.
The Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) is a medium-sized fox, generally weighing 7 to 14 pounds. Its coat is grizzled grayish-brown with reddish-brown accents on the neck, legs, and sides, and a distinct black stripe running down its bushy tail, which often has a black tip. A unique characteristic of the Gray Fox is its ability to climb trees, an unusual trait among canids, which it uses to forage or escape predators.
The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes), though widespread across North America, is considered rare in Arizona. This species is recognized by its reddish-orange fur, black legs, and a bushy tail often tipped with white. They are larger than both Kit and Gray foxes, with an elongated, pointed muzzle and erect ears.
Arizona’s Diverse Fox Habitats
Fox species in Arizona inhabit a wide range of environments, demonstrating their adaptability.
Kit Foxes are often found in arid and semi-arid regions, including open flats, sandy plains, desert scrub, chaparral, and grasslands. They frequently utilize underground dens, which they may dig or take over, to regulate body temperature and shelter their young. These foxes can also be seen in agricultural areas and on the fringes of urban environments.
Gray Foxes are highly adaptable and thrive in diverse habitats, preferring areas with dense cover such as rocky canyons, thickets, and riparian zones. Their tree-climbing ability allows them to utilize wooded areas and slopes of rocky ridges, sometimes denning in trees or boulder piles. They are commonly found throughout Arizona, including in some urban areas.
Red Foxes, despite their rarity in Arizona, can adapt to various landscapes, including forests, farmlands, and grasslands. In northeastern Arizona, they have been observed across a range of elevations and vegetation types, including desert scrub and grasslands. While they can inhabit urban areas elsewhere, their presence near human settlements in Arizona is less common due to their limited population.
Coexisting with Arizona’s Foxes
Living in Arizona often means sharing spaces with native wildlife, including foxes. To ensure harmonious coexistence, avoid feeding wild animals, as this can lead to them becoming dependent on human food sources and may result in property damage or safety concerns.
Securing trash cans with bungee cords and storing them in enclosed areas until collection day helps prevent scavenging. Feeding pets indoors or removing outdoor pet food immediately after feeding can deter foxes from visiting residential areas.
Maintaining a respectful distance from foxes is important, especially if they appear to be acting strangely, such as showing unusual friendliness or aggression. If a fox is denning under a porch or deck, disturbing them can be done by placing objects with strong human scents, like used kitty litter or old sneakers, near the den openings. Motion-activated sprinklers or loud noises can also serve as deterrents. Close off crawl spaces under porches, decks, and sheds to prevent foxes from establishing dens.