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| Image: pbs.org/video |
The gray fox is known to be native to the state.Whether or not the red foxes were native to New Jersey is not certain. We know they did exist, though not in great numbers, during early colonial times. The European red fox was introduced to North America for the purposes of fox hunting events.
Both species are present throughout the state today. Neither is endangered and they are classified as game species and as furbearers they have both hunting and trapping seasons.
Several people in NJ have told me that they believed that there was only one species of fox in the state and that it changed from gray to red depending on the season. That is not true.
The pelt color of red foxes ranges from a pale yellowish red to deep reddish brown on the head, sides and back, and white, ashy or slate gray on the underside. The lower legs are usually black and the tail has a white tip.
The general coloration of a gray fox is a strikingly beautiful grizzled gray that appears on the face, sides and tail. Portions of the legs and lower sides as well as large areas of the neck, ears and bottom portion of the tail are a rusty, reddish color with white areas on the chin, belly and insides of the legs.
Male foxes, (both red and gray) are called "dogs" and females are known as "vixens".
Problems associated with foxes include depredation on domestic animals, perceptions of danger to humans (healthy foxes pose virtually no danger to humans), and their potential to carry disease organisms. Foxes will prey on small livestock such as ducks, chickens, rabbits, and young lambs, but generally do not bother larger livestock. Cats may also be preyed on. Foxes often carry their prey to a secluded area or their den where it is eaten by the adults and young.
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