What is the Difference Between Red Fox and Grey Fox?

Red foxes and grey foxes are two distinct species with different characteristics in appearance, size, and behavior. Here are the main differences between them:

1. Size and weight: Grey foxes are generally smaller than red foxes, weighing between 7 and 13 pounds and measuring 3 to 4 feet in length, including the tail. Red foxes, on the other hand, weigh between 8 and 16 pounds and measure 22 to 25 inches long (excluding the tail).
2. Appearance: Grey foxes have a grizzled gray coat with a distinctive black streak along the top of the tail, which extends to the tip. They have a more cat-like face, shorter legs, and a black back stripe. Red foxes have a long, full fur that is russet or red, with white on the chin, breast, and belly, and black feet and legs. The tip of the red fox's tail is always white.
3. Habitat: Red foxes are more likely to inhabit open areas, including agricultural settings, whereas grey foxes are more common in forests and swamps.
4. Hunting habits: Both species share common prey and predators, but they exhibit different hunting habits. Grey foxes have partially retractable claws and are able to climb trees, while red foxes cannot.
5. Reproduction: Red foxes have a more defined mating season, with the vixen (female red fox) being sexually mature at about ten months of age. Grey foxes have a more flexible mating season.

Comparative Table: Red Fox vs Grey Fox

Here is a table comparing the differences between red foxes and grey foxes:

Red foxes are generally larger than grey foxes and have a more varied coat color, including red, gray, brown, black, or silver. They also have black legs and a white tail tip. Grey foxes, on the other hand, have a silvery gray coat with red down the chest and sides, and a black stripe on the tail. They are smaller than red foxes and can climb trees due to their partially retractable claws. Additionally, grey foxes have a more cat-like face and oval-shaped pupils, as opposed to the slit-like pupils of red foxes.