Foxes in North Dakota: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For

Yes, foxes are well established throughout North Dakota. Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the dominant species, found in virtually every county. Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) populations are much smaller and restricted to the eastern border counties near Minnesota. Both species have adapted well to the state's agricultural landscape, thriving alongside human settlement. Historical hunting pressure has declined, and fox populations have remained stable. For more on red fox habits and behavior, visit our /animals/fox page.

Red fox is the primary species across the state. Gray foxes are rare and limited to the eastern edge. Both are similar in size but gray fox has a black-tipped tail while red fox has a white tip. Red foxes typically weigh 10-15 pounds and measure 22-25 inches in body length, with distinctive red fur, black ear backs, and white belly. Gray foxes are slightly smaller at 7-13 pounds and have salt-and-pepper gray fur with rust coloring along the back. Red foxes prefer open and semi-open habitats, while gray foxes favor wooded areas. See /animals/fox for side-by-side comparisons and identification photos.

Red foxes thrive in the state's mix of farmland, prairie, and river corridors. The highest density is in the Drift Prairie and Missouri Coteau regions. Start with the Sheyenne National Grasslands or the Lostwood National Wildlife Refuge for reliable sightings. The Turtle Mountains in the north, the Pembina Gorge, and the Little Missouri National Grassland are consistently productive locations. Use the state wildlife management areas and check the /wildlife/north-dakota page for specific coordinates and access rules.

In North Dakota, fox sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to where the animal is most likely in the state. Use the state wildlife hub and the route guide to narrow your first area, then check access, weather, and distance before you settle in. A short walk with one clear viewing plan often beats covering too much ground, especially when habitat changes fast from open edges to brush, wetlands, timber, shoreline, or neighborhood cover.

Foxes are crepuscular, meaning most active around sunrise and sunset. In winter, they may hunt during midday if temperatures drop significantly. Breeding season from January to March increases activity, and you might spot them carrying food to dens. Spring pups emerge in April and May, providing excellent viewing opportunities in May and early June. Fall offers good sightings as young foxes disperse from family groups. Check the /wildlife/north-dakota hub for seasonal tips and planning guides.

Fox tracks are oval, about 1.5 to 2 inches long, with four toe pads and a small heel pad. Their stride is direct and narrow, often appearing almost like a line in snow or soft ground. Look for scat with fur and berry seeds, especially near den sites and territory markers. Dens often have multiple entrances and a strong musky scent. Fresh scat is dark and twisted; old scat turns gray and crumbles easily. Hair around den entrances, claw marks on fence posts, and flattened grass beds are also signs of fox activity. The /animals/fox page has detailed track illustrations and field comparison guides.

See our state animal guide for the next step in identification.