Foxes in Washington: Where to Look and What Signs to Watch For

Red foxes are widespread in Washington. They thrive in the sagebrush country of Eastern Washington, the agricultural valleys, and the suburbs of Western Washington. Gray foxes are more common in the forested regions of the Cascade foothills and the Olympic Peninsula. Start with habitats that mix open areas for hunting with cover like brush piles or rock outcrops.

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Foxes are most active during the twilight hours around sunrise and sunset. In Washington, spring and summer evenings offer the best odds because adult foxes are hunting for their pups. Winter mornings can also be productive as foxes forage longer in colder months. Avoid midday when they typically rest in dens.

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Fox tracks are oval, about 1.5 to 2.5 inches long, with four toes and a small heel pad. Look for a straight line of tracks because foxes trot with a direct register (hind foot stepping into the front print). Other signs include scat (pointed, dark, often with fur or seeds) and a musky scent at den entrances. Dens are often on slopes or under tree roots with a mound of dirt outside.

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Consider visiting the Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge near Cheney, the Scatter Creek Wildlife Area in Thurston County, or the shrub-steppe of the Hanford Reach National Monument. These areas have open grasslands and edge habitats that attract red foxes. For gray foxes, head to the Olympic National Forest or the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Local parks like Discovery Park in Seattle also have reports of red foxes.

Bring binoculars (8x42 works well), a camera with a zoom lens, and comfortable walking shoes. A field guide to tracks and scat can help identify signs. Dress in muted colors and avoid strong fragrances. If you go during breeding season (spring), keep a safe distance from dens to avoid stressing the animals.