Gray foxes favor brushy, broken woodland and are less often seen in Rhode Island than red foxes. Arcadia, Diamond Hill, and George Washington management areas hold the rocky slopes, dense understory, and forest edges that suit them. Their ability to climb leaning trees helps them forage and escape danger in this cluttered habitat.
Records occur year-round, with peaks in May, July, and September. Dawn, dusk, and trail crossings offer the best chance of a view. Look for the dark stripe and black tip along the tail; unlike a red fox, a gray fox does not show a bright white tail tip.
Full species profile
