Common Gray Fox image from Smithsonian Institution
Last night, a Common Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) spent 30 minutes cleaning up spilled sunflower seeds beneath a bird feeder. Fantastic tail. This is the first fox seen here in 15 years. Tracks and scats began appearing this fall, and last night’s sighting confirmed the species. It was too dark for a photo, but there are plenty online. Go here for a complete list of Arizona mammals. Look under Canidae for the Gray Fox and its relatives, and click the link to go to the Smithsonian for more information.
How interesting. I lived for 36 years in various parts of AZ – never saw a fox. Glad to hear they’re around.