Foxes in Georgia: Types and Where They Live

There are over 90 species of mammals living in Georgia. The whitetail deer, bobcats, river otters, beavers, armadillos, and of course, foxes!

Foxes belong to the dog family and are renowned for their resourcefulness and intelligence. What type of foxes live in Georgia, and where are you most likely to see them? Read on to find out.

What Types of Foxes Live in Georgia?

Georgia has two fox species; the gray fox and the red fox. Both species are fairly small and usually weigh less than 14 pounds.

The gray and red foxes are mainly nocturnal animals. However, it’s not uncommon to spot one finishing up a hunt at dusk or dawn. As omnivores, red and gray foxes eat a diet consisting of small mammals, acorns, and berries.

Where Do the Foxes Live?

Both fox species, gray and red, can be found throughout the entire state of Georgia. There doesn’t seem to be more of either species in any part of the state. You’ll find these foxes in suburban and rural areas. Sometimes they even pop up in parks. To spot one in the wild, look along the forest’s perimeter or in the middle of open meadows.

Are Foxes Common in Georgia?

There are a lot of foxes living in Georgia, so the chances of spotting one of these creatures are pretty high. But don’t worry! Encountering a fox doesn’t have to be cause for alarm.

If you see a fox, let the animal continue on its path. Never try to approach or feed any wildlife. Finally, if you have small pets, keep them on a leash, and keep children nearby. Fox sightings are usually brief and exciting!

Red Fox Preferred Habitat

You’re most likely to see a red fox along the forest edge. This fox species prefers open fields, lawns, and meadows. Sometimes they dig their den, and other times they use abandoned woodchuck burrows.

Gray Fox Preferred Habitat

You’re most likely to see a gray fox while hiking through the woods. Gray foxes like densely wooded areas with plenty of plant cover. When it’s time to find a den, gray foxes use brush piles, hollow trees, or rocky outcrops.

Fox’s Legal Status in Georgia

The legal status of foxes in Georgia is protected. As a fur-bearing species, harvesting foxes outside of the trapping or hunting season is illegal.

When dealing with a nuisance fox, residents should follow the best practices for clearing them off the property. Oftentimes the best practices involved doing nothing. Usually, foxes only den for a short period and leave on their own. There are also ways to keep foxes out of yards in the first place and prevent them from denning under decks and porches.

What Is the Fox’s Home Range?

The amount of space that an animal regularly uses is called its home range. While some animals have a home range that stretches out for miles, others have one that’s only a few yards long. Often, the home range’s size depends on the animal’s size.

Since foxes are small, it makes sense that their home range is also fairly small. Red foxes have a home range of usually 5 miles in diameter or less. Gray foxes have an even smaller range that rarely extends over 1 square mile.

Are Red Foxes Territorial?

Red foxes can be aggressively territorial, but it depends on the situation. The season, population density, and breeding cycle affect how the red fox responds to other members of its species.

Are Gray Foxes Territorial?

Gray foxes are highly territorial. They have small home ranges that they often use year after year. Because the home range is so small, gray foxes know every inch of the land very well. They mark their scent throughout the entire territory to let other animals know about its presence.

Why Gray Foxes Are Struggling in Southeast Georgia

Gray foxes are having trouble surviving in parts of Georgia. For a long time, gray foxes have been a part of the Southeastern part of Georgia. But lately, the foxes have been competing with coyotes for food.

In other parts of the United States, like the midwest, foxes and coyotes partition food. The partitioning process helps prevent the overlapping of food sources. But, for some reason, the food-sharing process isn’t taking place in Georgia, at least not in the Southeastern part of the state.

Both coyotes and gray foxes are going after the same food sources, which will be a problem in the long run. Researchers are working to find ways to help the gray foxes adapt to the situation. Providing the gray foxes with more forested areas to roam would be a step in the right direction.

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