Foxes in Mississippi: Types and Where They Live

There are only four fox species in North America: the gray, red, kit, and Arctic fox. And Mississippi is home to two of these species. Follow along as we explore the different types of foxes in Mississippi and discover how they live. We’ll also review the legal status of foxes in the state based on their classification.

Where can you find foxes in Mississippi, and what species are they? Read on to find out!

What Types of Foxes Live in Mississippi?

The red and gray fox species live throughout the state of Mississippi. In 1997 Mississippi designated the red fox as the state’s official mammal. Along with the red fox, the bottlenose dolphin and whitetail deer are also mammal symbols in Mississippi.

The red and gray foxes are members of the Canidae family, including dogs, coyotes, and wolves. These foxes play an essential role in the state’s environment by controlling rodent and insect populations. They also assist with seed dispersal.

Red and gray foxes are omnivores. They eat a diet consisting of plants and animals. Sometimes those plants include fruits and vegetables like corn, grapes, apples, berries, and pears.

If you want to see a fox in the wild, the best time is right before sunset and immediately after sunrise. Foxes begin foraging for food about two hours before the sun sets. They usually continue foraging well after the sun rises, sometimes for up to four hours. During this time, it’s common for red and gray foxes to travel as many as nine miles in search of food.

Red Foxes Aren’t Always Red

red fox wandering in field — The red fox’s throat, belly, and cheeks are white. In comparison, the backs of the ears, feet, and legs are black.
©iStock.com/Lynn_Bystrom

Red foxes don’t always have red fur. Genetic mutations can cause them to have all sorts of colorations. Many red foxes have a red/yellow coloring blend on their sides and back. The tail is usually the same color as the sides, with black fur mixed in. The red fox’s throat, belly, and cheeks are white. In comparison, the backs of the ears, feet, and legs are black.

Gray Foxes Are Usually Smaller

south american gray fox — Gray foxes have reddish-brown and gray fur, pointed muzzles, and pointed ears.
©iStock.com/pablo_rodriguez_merkel

This species is usually smaller than red foxes. They have a gray peppered fur coat and a black-tipped tail. The sides, chest, and head of the gray fox will usually be a reddish-brown color. The feet and legs may also sport a reddish color. However, mixed throughout the coat, you’ll see hints of gray. You can also look at the fox’s head for identification. Gray foxes have pointed muzzles and pointed ears.

What Part of Mississippi Has Foxes?

Gray and red foxes live throughout the state of Mississippi. The majority of gray foxes live in the deciduous forest. They enjoy a mix of woodland and brushy landscapes. However, gray foxes sometimes visit agricultural lands to see what food sources are available.

Red foxes are the most likely species to occur in cities and neighborhoods. However, they also enjoy living in their natural habitat. Red foxes can be found in lightly wooded areas, open fields, brush, scrub, and farmlands.

Baby Foxes in Mississippi

Gray Fox kit plays in a hollow log in an alpine meadow. — As kits, gray foxes have dark brown coats. As they mature, the fur begins to turn a mix of red, white, gray, and black.
©Scenic Shutterbug/Shutterstock.com

Every year baby foxes are born in Mississippi; these little ones are called “kits.” Kits are born in early spring but don’t start appearing until September. This is when they’ll begin striking out on their own.

Gray foxes don’t look gray when they’re born. As kits, gray foxes have dark brown coats. As they mature, the fur begins to turn a mix of red, white, gray, and black.

Red foxes also look different as babies. Red foxes usually have a dark gray coat for the first month of their life. As they mature, their coat transforms into a red-orange color. By the time they’re two months old, their coat will have a sandier coloration. Finally, around three months old, red foxes start showing a red fur coat.

What Is the Fox’s Legal Status?

Mississippi classifies foxes as a nuisance species. That means licensed hunters can take gray and red foxes all year long. The law goes on to state that night hunting is allowed. It’s up to the hunter whether or not they want to use light or dogs.

Tips for Hunting Fox in Mississippi

The cold season is the best time of year to find foxes away from their den. When temperatures drop, foxes need more calories to survive. They’ll travel out of the den more often than during the warm season to find prey. The best time of day to find a fox away from its den is dawn or dusk.

If you’re hunting gray foxes with dogs, prepare for a long hunt. Gray foxes’ scent is not as strong as that of red foxes. The hounds will likely require a little more time to pick up the scent. Hunters also report that gray foxes are smarter and more elusive, making them more difficult to target.