Foxes in Illinois: Types and Where They Live

Did you know Illinois has two native fox species? Both the red fox (Vulpes vulpes) and gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) call Illinois home. Both species are a mix of crepuscular and nocturnal in habit, though you may also see them out during the day, especially during breeding season when they have kits to feed. Read on to find out more about where they live, how to tell them apart, and if any other wild canids also roam the state.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)

The red fox is the largest and most widespread of the “true foxes” of the Vulpes genus. They are a remarkably adaptable species that can utilize a wide variety of habitats, including areas opened up by human development. It is not uncommon to now see them in suburban and even urban areas.

Their most-recognized coloration is an orange-red coat with whitish or greyish undersides, black legs, and a white-tipped tail. However, the common name is a bit misleading, as their primary pelt color varies both across and within populations worldwide. “Red” fox fur can be almost any color that our own human hair can be, thanks to similar melanin pigments! In addition to common variations on the basic red such as shades of gold and brown, you may rarely encounter more dramatic color morphs including black, silver, and cross (red and black) in the state.

Adult red foxes in Illinois generally weigh between 8-15 pounds. Head-body length averages 22-25 inches, with the long, bushy tail adding another 14-16 inches.

Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)

The gray fox is actually not a “true” fox — that is, it is not classified in the Vulpes genus. Rather, it is classified in the Urcoyon genus along with its only other close relative, the island fox (Urocyon littoralis). Current DNA evidence suggests this is the most basal clade of all living canids!

Gray foxes prefer the cover of deciduous woodland habitat. Unique among the canids, they are specially adapted for climbing trees, with long, hooked claws. They are found throughout Illinois, but are more common in the southern part of the state and in wooded areas along the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. They are also less commonly encountered than red foxes in general. Furthermore, their numbers have been in decline throughout the Midwest for the past 50 years.

Adult gray foxes are usually slightly smaller than red foxes. In Illinois, they generally weigh 7-14 pounds. Head-body length averages about 21-29 inches, with the tail another 11-16 inches. Their beautiful gray grizzled upper coat, rust and white colored underside highlights, and long black stripe down the back of the tail also readily distinguish them from red foxes.

What Other Wild Canids Can You Find in Illinois?

Once upon a time, both the gray wolf (Canis lupus) and red wolf (Canis rufus) also roamed the wilds of Illinois, but both species have long been extirpated from the state. However, Illinois has documented individual gray wolves from neighboring state populations occasionally traveling through or temporarily residing in the state. When these wolves appear, they are protected as endangered species under both federal and state law. They are also by far the largest wild canids you may encounter in Illinois. Adults are usually gray-furred, weigh 70-120 pounds, and measure 43-48 inches head-body length plus 12-19 inches tail length.

There is yet another native canid in Illinois whose numbers have been steadily increasing: the coyote (Canis latrans var.). They are reported to now outnumber red foxes in the state, and like their smaller cousins, have proven themselves highly adaptable to a wide variety of human-developed habitats, including urban and suburban areas. They are larger than both red and gray foxes but smaller than gray wolves. Adults have variable coat color (likely influenced by interbreeding with wolves and domestic dogs), weigh an average of 20-40 pounds, and measure 32-37 inches in head-body length with a tail length of 11-16 inches.

Conclusion

Illinois has two native fox species, the red fox and the gray fox. Both are found statewide, but the red fox is the more commonly encountered of the two. While the gray fox prefers woodland habitats, the red fox is regularly spotted in a wide variety of habitats, including suburban and urban areas. There is also a third native wild canid common in the state, the coyote. Additionally, endangered gray wolves from neighboring states may occasionally cross into Illinois.

It is also important to keep in mind that you may also encounter lost, abandoned, or stray domestic dogs. If you find what you believe is a non-wild canine, please reach out to your local rescue!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Holly Kuchera/Shutterstock.com