(Undated) -- Iowa Department of Natural Resources staffers recently put a collar on a gray fox. Populations of the species have been declining for the last 25 years. The DNR is asking anyone who spots a live gray fox or have trail cam footage to contact DNR biologists.
The DNR says gray foxes have darker fur on the back, compared to the more common red fox. The red fox is larger, has black legs, larger ears, and a white tip on the tail.
The Iowa DNR is asking trappers for help with a study on Iowa’s gray fox population. Experts say change in forest habitat may be contributing to lower numbers. Increasing coyote and bobcat numbers may also be a factor. Raccoons may also impact gray fox populations thru the spread of disease such as canine distemper.
“We’re asking trappers who happen to catch a gray fox alive to contact me or wildlife technician Dave Hoffman directly so we can make arrangements to equip the animal with a neck collar and release it for tracking purposes as part of a research project. If they can’t reach us, another option is to contact their local wildlife biologist or conservation officer,” said Vince Evelsizer, furbearer biologist with the Iowa DNR.
“Our gray fox population is down and we’re concerned. At this time, the cause for their population decline is unknown. We’re hoping this study will give us some data related to causes of mortality, habitat use, home ranges, etc., that we can begin to learn more about what is going on with this population.”
The DNR is offering a $400 reward as an incentive for live-caught foxes that are healthy and used for a monitoring study.
Gray fox can be found statewide, but their core area is eastern and southern Iowa, in forested habitats, like cedar thickets, deciduous forests, the driftless region, on old farms and overgrown pastures.