Foxes in Pennsylvania: where to look and what signs to watch for

Yes, both red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) live in Pennsylvania. Red foxes prefer open fields and farmlands, while gray foxes favor wooded areas with rocky terrain. You can find them in every county, but numbers are higher in rural areas with mixed habitat. Check our Pennsylvania wildlife hub for more local species info.

Foxes are mostly crepuscular meaning they are most active at dawn and dusk. You might also see them at night. During breeding season (January to February) and when raising pups (spring), they can be more active in daylight. If you want to spot one, plan your outing for early morning or late evening, especially in areas with thick cover nearby.

Fox tracks are oval, about 1.5 to 2.5 inches long, with four toe pads and a triangular heel pad. Their trail often shows a direct register (rear foot steps into front foot print). Look for scat that is pointed and often contains fur or berry seeds. Den entrances are about 6 to 8 inches wide, often under logs or rock piles. For more tracking tips, visit our fox identification page.

See our state animal guide for the next step.

Your best odds are in agricultural areas with a mix of fields, woods, and hedgerows. State parks like Pine Grove Furnace, Ridley Creek, and Tyler State Park have good fox populations. Gray foxes are more secretive and prefer forests with rocky outcrops, while red foxes are bolder near farmlands. Focus on edges between open land and forest.

If you see a fox, stay calm and give it space. Do not approach or feed it. Foxes are generally shy and will leave on their own. If it seems sick or unafraid, contact your local game commission. To help plan your fox watching trip, use the tool below to find accommodations near prime spotting areas.