Foxes in Ohio: Types and Where They Live

Written by Kristin Hitchcock
Published: February 13, 2023
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Two fox species are native to Ohio: the red and gray fox. Four species are native to North America, but the other two are not found in Ohio. Both the red and gray foxes are highly adaptable, allowing them to live in various environments. Foxes are one of the few species that can thrive in urban settings. They’re found everywhere in Ohio, though the exact range of each species varies.

Both of these foxes in Ohio have different traits and characteristics. Let’s take a look at each one separately.

Gray Fox

Mysterious Gray Animals - Gray Fox

The gray fox is among the foxes in Ohio.

©iStock.com/johnpane

As the name suggests, the gray fox has a salt and peppery gray coat. Their back has a dark stripe that runs to the end of their tail, which ends in a black tip. They also have black stripes on their face and the side of their head. Like many other foxes, they have a white chest and throat area. However, the gray fox has a bit more white than other species.

The gray fox also has reddish patches along its ears. A red band separates the gray portion of their coat from the white underside. Their legs also have an orange-ish color, though their feet are gray.

Reproduction

Like many foxes, the gray fox is monogamous. In other words, they only have one mate and stay with that mate throughout the years—breeding season peaks in February to March. Females are pregnant for 53 days, which leads to the babies being born in April and May. Usually, litters consist of four to five kits. The couple only produces one litter a year, raising the young for almost a year.

The female stays with the litter and nurses the babies, while the male provides her with food. This setup continues for about three months when the young are old enough to leave their den. At this point, the young follow their parents on hunting trips to learn survival skills.

In the fall, the family slowly breaks up. The young go their own way and end up one to ten miles from their parents. At this point, they establish their own territory and may mate themselves (though some take a few years to find a mate).

Habitat

Gray foxes prefer wooded areas and brushland. They’re sensitive to human presence and don’t do well in urban or suburban settings. As more and more people spread throughout the state, their population has declined due to habitat loss.

Behavior

Like many foxes, gray foxes are almost entirely nocturnal. They feed at night and are most active during the dusk and dawn hours.

Surprisingly, gray foxes are fairly good climbers. They climb trees to access food, escape predators, and lay in the sun. They also emit a foul odor when threatened, though it isn’t as bad as a skunk’s. They have a distinctive bark that usually comes in fours or fives. Their bark makes it easy to identify them. They can also squeak and growl, though these sounds are heard less often.

Gray foxes prey on any small mammal they can catch. They’re opportunistic hunters, meaning they don’t rely on a single food source. They prey on rats, mice, rabbits, and other small animals in Ohio. They may also eat birds, insects, fruits, acorns, and eggs. They’re not picky in the least.

Red Fox

red fox wandering in field

The red fox may have orangeish fur and other variations in color.

©iStock.com/Lynn_Bystrom

When most people think of a fox, they imagine a red fox. Usually, this fox comes in a reddish color, though the exact shade can vary. Several color variations exist, so your local red fox may not have the “traditional” coloration.

Red foxes have white bellies, throats, and cheeks. Their legs and feet are black, and their tail may have a few black furs mixed in too. Their tail should end with a white tip, which sets it apart from the gray fox (which has a black tip). You can use this difference to identify the two species.

The tail of the red fox can grow very long – up to 16″ in many cases.

Reproduction

Like the gray fox, the red fox is monogamous. They have a single partner that they mate with. They breed a bit earlier than gray foxes, with the breeding season peaking in January and February. Females remain pregnant for 51-53 days, and their babies are born sometime between late February to April.

Females construct their den by digging a hole in an area of loose soil, preferably with a southern exposure for warmth. Their dens typically lay about four feet under the ground. The female nurses the offspring for a few months while the father provides prey. Once the kits are a few months old, they travel with their parents on hunting expeditions. During these events, they learn about hunting and other basic survival skills.

The babies are mature enough to survive independently by the fall when they separate from their families. They live independently until they find a mate.

Habitat

Red foxes adapt well to living alongside people, and some even live in urban environments. They live mostly in farmland and mixed pasture, however. Most red foxes are found in the central and northwestern portions of Ohio. While they have done better than other species, the statewide population has declined for over a decade.

For the most part, it appears that their decline is due to habitat loss.

Behavior

Red foxes spend the fall and early winter alone. Their range only stretches for one to two miles, so they remain in a fairly small area. If their food dwindles within their usual range, they may extend it to search for food.

Typically, the red fox eats small mammals, like rats, rabbits, and groundhogs. They also consume fruits, grasses, and birds. However, they’re very opportunistic, so they will eat just about anything that comes their way.

Unlike many furbearers, red foxes don’t hibernate. They continue to eat and be active all winter. However, they will reduce their activity level for a day or two if the weather takes a turn for the worst.

Red foxes are nocturnal and are most active at night. However, they will hunt during the day if it makes sense.

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The photo featured at the top of this post is © Danita Delimont/Shutterstock.com


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About the Author

Kristin is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering dogs, cats, fish, and other pets. She has been an animal writer for seven years, writing for top publications on everything from chinchilla cancer to the rise of designer dogs. She currently lives in Tennessee with her cat, dogs, and two children. When she isn't writing about pets, she enjoys hiking and crocheting.

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