Gray Fox
By Briana Kouma, Conservation Program Coordinator, Iowa Chapter of the Sierra Club
For the past 25 years, the gray fox population in Iowa and throughout the Midwest has been in a steep decline. Despite this, there has been very little scientific research conducted on the species in this region until recently. Biologist Vince Evelsizer with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources has been leading efforts to better understand these elusive creatures.
Gray foxes are small, typically weighing only 10 to 12 pounds. While classified as carnivores, they are seasonally omnivorous, feeding on fruits, vegetables, and bird seed. They are primarily nocturnal or crepuscular, meaning they are active at dawn and dusk, and they possess the unique ability to climb trees to hunt or escape danger. This specialized behavior makes them truly fascinating and distinct from other Midwest canids.
Research has identified several potential drivers for their population decline. First, diseases such as canine distemper and parvovirus present a significant health risk to the species. Additionally, the foxes face intense competition and predation from larger animals, including coyotes, domestic dogs, and bobcats. Habitat loss is another major factor, as the foxes struggle to find secure, available denning sites in an ever changing landscape. Finally, the high density of roads in the Midwest creates a persistent risk of vehicular collisions, which contributes to mortality.
To address these knowledge gaps, the Iowa DNR has implemented a pilot research project featuring several key components. GPS/Vhf collaring is used to track individual foxes to gain insights into their survival rates, cause-specific mortality, and general habitat use. A highlight of this research is the story of GF2, a "superstar mom" who successfully raised five pups on her own after losing her mate, providing researchers with invaluable insights into the species' resilience. Additionally, teams are deploying camera traps throughout the Driftless region to monitor fox presence, which helps identify where these animals are living. Finally, the project involves genetic collaboration with partners like Iowa State University and Luther College to analyze genetic gene flow and identify potential barriers to movement for gray foxes across state lines.
Because the gray fox thrives in "edge" habitats, the transition zones where forests meet open land, protecting these spaces serves as an "umbrella" for conservation. Efforts to preserve this forest mosaic not only help the gray fox but also provide critical support for other species like the ruffed grouse and golden-winged warblers.
Citizens can play a vital role in these conservation efforts. If you encounter a gray fox, you are encouraged to contact Vince Evelsizer (vince.evelsizer@dnr.iowa.gov) or Dave Hoffman (dave.hoffman@dnr.iowa.gov). Additionally, landowners can work with professional foresters to develop plans that maintain a healthy mosaic of forest ages on their property. Lastly, those interested in supporting this research can make donations through the Iowa Wildlife Federation to help fund tracking tools like GPS collars.
If you missed our Grey Fox Lunch and Learn no worries, check it out here: https://youtu.be/Rc5l_tQ91YM?si=zjfkiIM3yncEizcB