Gray Fox – 5/12/12

Observer: Paul Lauenstein

Observation Date: 5/12/12

Observation Time: 8:30 a.m.

Observation Location: 5 Gavins Pond Rd.

Common Name: Gray Fox

Scientific Name: Urocyon cinereoargenteus

Comments: This species and the closely related Channel Island fox (Urocyon littoralis) are the only living members of the genus Urocyon, which is considered to be among the most primitive of the living canids. The gray fox’s ability to climb trees is shared only with the Asian raccoon dog among canids.

Though it was once the most common fox in the east, and still is found there, human advancement allowed the adaptable red fox to become more prevalent.

Note the dark stripe down the top of its tail. Gray foxes do not have a white-tipped tail like red foxes.

More Information: Wikipedia