Michigan has two fox species. Have you seen the gray one?

Recent research suggests gray foxes may be harder to find than previously thought, and the DNR is asking the public to help locate them

While the red fox is familiar to many Michiganders, a smaller, more elusive relative — the gray fox — also calls our state home, and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is hoping you can help pinpoint where this secretive species resides.

The DNR recently partnered with Northern Michigan University, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to conduct a research project on both red and gray foxes, with some results suggesting gray foxes may be much rarer in Michigan than previously believed. To better understand their distribution across the state, wildlife researchers are launching a statewide effort to collect gray fox observations from the public.

If you've seen a gray fox, whether recently or years ago, the DNR wants to hear from you. Photographs are especially valuable because they help researchers confirm sightings and gain more clarity on where gray foxes are living in Michigan today.

"Gray foxes are one of Michigan's least understood mammals," said Cody Norton, DNR furbearer specialist. "By sharing sightings and photographs, residents can help us get a better sense of where these animals occur and provide information that will shape future research and conservation efforts.

Hidden in plain sight?

Gray foxes are found throughout much of northern South America as well as North and Central America, including across Michigan, which is at the northernmost point of the species' range. However, declining trends across many Midwest and Northeast states have led to additional efforts to determine the status of gray fox populations and what factors may be causing declines.

In Michigan, gray fox detections from surveys designed for other species have detected very few occurrences of gray fox, mainly in the Upper Peninsula or southern Lower Peninsula.

Researchers hope public reports will help determine whether gray foxes are absent from certain areas, simply difficult to detect or occupy habitats that traditional wildlife surveys may miss.

“We've learned that gray foxes often live closer to people than many realize," said Tyler Petroelje, DNR Upper Peninsula research specialist. "They use structures such as garages, sheds and outbuildings near wooded areas. Because of that, community scientists may be in the best position to help us understand where gray foxes are occurring. These observations can provide information we simply can't collect through traditional research methods.”

Since gray foxes share characteristics of red foxes, coyotes and even domestic cats, the DNR is particularly interested in reports accompanied by photographs to help wildlife biologists confirm species identification and observation locations. Because gray foxes often live near people, many of these images may come from trail cameras, doorbell cameras and homesecurity systems.

Additionally, if you have photographs and location information of gray foxes from previous years, the DNR encourages you to submit those observations as well.

Gray fox or red fox?

Gray foxes can be distinguished from red foxes by their grizzled gray coat, black-tipped tail and reddish coloration on the neck, chest and legs. They are also one of the few members of the dog family capable of climbing trees like a cat, due to their semiretractable claws.

Report a gray fox observation

You can submit observations through the DNR Reporting system, Eyes in the Field. (The gray fox observation report is available for selection in the mammals category.) When submitting a report, please include photographs, observation details and contact information, for follow-up questions. Report gray fox sightings.

"Every gray fox sighting helps us better understand a species that has remained largely out of the spotlight," Norton said. “A single photograph or sighting may seem small, but when combined with reports from across the state, it can provide valuable insight into Michigan's gray fox population. Together, those observations can help shape the future of gray fox conservation.”

Note to editors: Accompanying photos are available below for download. Caption information follows.

• Gray fox and red fox comparison: Gray fox (top) and red fox (bottom). Gray foxes are generally smaller than red foxes, with salt-and-pepper gray fur and a black stripe down the tail, and have shorter legs. Unlike red foxes, gray foxes are skilled climbers and can climb trees to escape predators or search for food.
• Gray fox: A gray fox walks through habitat. The Michigan DNR is asking the public to report gray fox sightings to help researchers better understand the species' distribution and status across the state.