by Craig S. Harrison

Gray foxes are common in Bennett Valley, but are rarely seen because they tend to be active at twilight and after nightfall. They are silver-gray with reddish fur on their sides and legs. The long, bushy tails have a black stripe on the top surface extending its length and ending with a black-tip. Gray foxes weigh between ten and twelve pounds.

Unlike other members of the dog family, gray foxes readily climb trees aided by their strong, hooked claws. They can climb branchless, vertical trunks and jump from branch to branch.  Sometimes they sleep in trees.

From an evolutionary perspective, gray foxes are primitive members of the dog family. Their closest relatives are the east Asian raccoon dog and the African bat-eared fox. They are timid creatures and retreat when smaller animals threaten them.

Solitary except during breeding season, gray foxes make dens under large rocks, in tree hollows, or in burrows. Kits are born during early spring, and a litter is typically four offspring. Gray foxes are omnivorous. By consuming gophers, deer mice, and wood rats they help keep rodent populations in check. They also eat berries of manzanitas and other plants.

Gray foxes have typical lifespans between seven and ten years. Humans, coyotes, and bobcats kill adults, but great horned owls will prey on kits.