Types of Fox in North Dakota
Yes, North Dakota is home to two main fox species: the red fox and the swift fox. While the red fox is widespread and commonly seen across the state's diverse landscapes, the swift fox is a more specialized resident of the western prairies. Gray foxes are extremely rare in North Dakota and are only occasionally recorded in the eastern hardwood forests. For a successful outing, focus on river corridors and agricultural edges for red foxes, or head to the shortgrass prairies of the west to search for the elusive swift fox.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
North Dakota has one established type of fox: the Red Fox. Below are the related species here that people most often mistake for it.
The wider family, source iNaturalist
Other the dog family in North Dakota
Only one kind of fox lives in North Dakota, so the useful question is which related animals share the state. 2 other members of the dog family have a verified record here, each with at least 10 confirmed sightings. The ones you are most likely to see, or mix up with a fox, are Coyote and Red Fox. They are listed below, ranked by how often each is recorded.
Records from verified iNaturalist observations. Photos by iNaturalist observers, reused under the licence each observer chose.
Yes, North Dakota is home to two main fox species: the red fox and the swift fox. While the red fox is widespread and commonly seen across the state's diverse landscapes, the swift fox is a more specialized resident of the western prairies. Gray foxes are extremely rare in North Dakota and are only occasionally recorded in the eastern hardwood forests. For a successful outing, focus on river corridors and agricultural edges for red foxes, or head to the shortgrass prairies of the west to search for the elusive swift fox.
What are the two fox species found in North Dakota?
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widespread, found throughout the state from the Red River Valley to the Missouri River breaks. The swift fox (Vulpes velox) is a smaller, prairie specialist that inhabits the shortgrass and mixed-grass regions of western North Dakota. Both are true foxes, but their habitat preferences and behaviors differ significantly. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
How can you tell a red fox from a swift fox?
Size is the easiest clue for identification. Red foxes weigh between 8 and 15 pounds and possess a bushy tail with a prominent white tip. Swift foxes are noticeably smaller, weighing only 4 to 7 pounds, and have a black-tipped tail. Red foxes have rusty red fur with black legs, while swift foxes are a buffy grayish-tan with lighter undersides. In the winter, both species grow thicker coats to handle the North Dakota cold. See ourFoxes guidefor more details.
Where in North Dakota are you most likely to see foxes?
Start your search along the Missouri River corridor and its many tributaries. Red foxes thrive in wooded coulees, farmland edges, and suburban fringes around Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot. For swift foxes, head to the Little Missouri National Grassland or Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where they prefer open prairie with sparse vegetation. Early morning drives on gravel roads west of the Missouri often produce sightings. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What is the best season for fox sightings in North Dakota?
Late winter and early spring, specifically from February through April, offer the best odds because foxes are more active during daylight hours while breeding and raising pups. Fall is also a productive time as young foxes disperse to find new territories. Summer sightings are possible but are most common during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk. Be aware that hunting pressure in the fall can make foxes more nocturnal and wary.
What time of day are foxes most active?
Foxes are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. In remote areas with minimal human disturbance, they may also be seen hunting during the day, especially in the winter when food is scarce. If you encounter a fox in full daylight that appears lethargic or unafraid, it may be sick with distemper or mange, so maintain a safe distance and do not approach.
How do you distinguish a fox from a coyote?
Coyotes are much larger, weighing between 20 and 50 pounds, with a longer snout and a tail that hangs down while they run. Foxes have a more cat-like face, a flatter forehead, and a bushy tail that is often carried straight out behind them. In North Dakota, the red fox's black leg markings and white tail tip are reliable identifiers. Coyotes typically have a black-tipped or salt-and-pepper tail without the white flag.
What field marks should you focus on for a confident ID?
Look for four specific things: the color of the tail tip, the color of the legs, the shape and size of the ears, and the overall size compared to a house cat. A red fox has a white tail tip and black legs, while a swift fox has a black tail tip and pale legs. A swift fox is roughly the size of a large house cat, whereas a red fox is noticeably larger. Always consider the habitat, as swift foxes are almost exclusively found in open prairie.
Where can you find fox-themed gear to celebrate your sightings?
After spotting a fox in the wild, check out theVintage Fox Moon Graphic T-Shirtfor a subtle nod to your experience.
This Etsy find features a moonlit fox design that fits a quiet evening in the field.Check Price and Availability
For a more playful option, grab theArtsy Animals Sticker Sheetfeaturing a cute kawaii fox.
Kiss-cut vinyl stickers popular in journaling and scrapbooking.Check Price and Availability
You can also pair it with theAdorable Animal Magnet SVG Bundle Safarifor a complete set.
A pair of woodland fox magnets with a cute illustrated style.Check Price and Availability
Browse more wildlife-themed gear at our/t-shirtscollection.
What is the primary difference between a red fox and a swift fox?
Beyond their physical appearance, the primary difference is their habitat and range. Red foxes are generalists that can live in forests, farmlands, and cities across the entire state. Swift foxes are prairie specialists that require the open, flat shortgrass prairies of western North Dakota. Swift foxes are also much more dependent on their burrows for protection from predators like coyotes and golden eagles.
How rare are gray foxes in North Dakota?
Gray foxes are extremely rare in North Dakota, with only a few confirmed sightings over the past several decades. They prefer dense deciduous forests and are much more common east of the Mississippi River. If you think you have seen a gray fox in North Dakota, it is more likely a swift fox or a red fox with unusual coloring, though a confirmed sighting would be of significant interest to local wildlife researchers.
Frequently Asked Questions about foxes in North Dakota
Can you hunt foxes in North Dakota? Yes, red foxes have a year-round hunting season in North Dakota. However, swift foxes are a protected species and cannot be hunted or trapped under any circumstances.
What do foxes eat in the North Dakota winter? During the winter, foxes primarily hunt for small mammals like voles and mice that move beneath the snow. They will also scavenge carrion and are known to follow larger predators to find scraps.
Where can I report a swift fox sighting? You can contact the North Dakota Game and Fish Department to report any swift fox sightings. These reports help biologists track the recovery and range of this rare prairie species.
See ourtour planning ideasfor the next step.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What are the two fox species found in North Dakota?+
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most widespread, found throughout the state from the Red River Valley to the Missouri River breaks. The swift fox (Vulpes velox) is a smaller, prairie specialist that inhabits the shortgrass and mixed-grass regions of western North Dakota. Both are true foxes, but their habitat preferences and behaviors differ significantly. See ourstate wildlife pagefor the next step.
How can you tell a red fox from a swift fox?+
Size is the easiest clue for identification. Red foxes weigh between 8 and 15 pounds and possess a bushy tail with a prominent white tip. Swift foxes are noticeably smaller, weighing only 4 to 7 pounds, and have a black-tipped tail. Red foxes have rusty red fur with black legs, while swift foxes are a buffy grayish-tan with lighter undersides. In the winter, both species grow thicker coats to handle the North Dakota cold. See ourFoxes guidefor more details.
Where in North Dakota are you most likely to see foxes?+
Start your search along the Missouri River corridor and its many tributaries. Red foxes thrive in wooded coulees, farmland edges, and suburban fringes around Bismarck, Fargo, and Minot. For swift foxes, head to the Little Missouri National Grassland or Theodore Roosevelt National Park, where they prefer open prairie with sparse vegetation. Early morning drives on gravel roads west of the Missouri often produce sightings. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What is the best season for fox sightings in North Dakota?+
Late winter and early spring, specifically from February through April, offer the best odds because foxes are more active during daylight hours while breeding and raising pups. Fall is also a productive time as young foxes disperse to find new territories. Summer sightings are possible but are most common during the cooler hours of dawn and dusk. Be aware that hunting pressure in the fall can make foxes more nocturnal and wary.
What time of day are foxes most active?+
Foxes are crepuscular, meaning they are most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. In remote areas with minimal human disturbance, they may also be seen hunting during the day, especially in the winter when food is scarce. If you encounter a fox in full daylight that appears lethargic or unafraid, it may be sick with distemper or mange, so maintain a safe distance and do not approach.
How do you distinguish a fox from a coyote?+
Coyotes are much larger, weighing between 20 and 50 pounds, with a longer snout and a tail that hangs down while they run. Foxes have a more cat-like face, a flatter forehead, and a bushy tail that is often carried straight out behind them. In North Dakota, the red fox's black leg markings and white tail tip are reliable identifiers. Coyotes typically have a black-tipped or salt-and-pepper tail without the white flag.
What field marks should you focus on for a confident ID?+
Look for four specific things: the color of the tail tip, the color of the legs, the shape and size of the ears, and the overall size compared to a house cat. A red fox has a white tail tip and black legs, while a swift fox has a black tail tip and pale legs. A swift fox is roughly the size of a large house cat, whereas a red fox is noticeably larger. Always consider the habitat, as swift foxes are almost exclusively found in open prairie.
Where can you find fox-themed gear to celebrate your sightings?+
After spotting a fox in the wild, check out theVintage Fox Moon Graphic T-Shirtfor a subtle nod to your experience. This Etsy find features a moonlit fox design that fits a quiet evening in the field.Check Price and Availability For a more playful option, grab theArtsy Animals Sticker Sheetfeaturing a cute kawaii fox. Kiss-cut vinyl stickers popular in journaling and scrapbooking.Check Price and Availability You can also pair it with theAdorable Animal Magnet SVG Bundle Safarifor a complete set. A pair of woodland fox magnets with a cute illustrated style.Check Price and Availability Browse more wildlife-themed gear at our/t-shirtscollection.
What is the primary difference between a red fox and a swift fox?+
Beyond their physical appearance, the primary difference is their habitat and range. Red foxes are generalists that can live in forests, farmlands, and cities across the entire state. Swift foxes are prairie specialists that require the open, flat shortgrass prairies of western North Dakota. Swift foxes are also much more dependent on their burrows for protection from predators like coyotes and golden eagles.
How rare are gray foxes in North Dakota?+
Gray foxes are extremely rare in North Dakota, with only a few confirmed sightings over the past several decades. They prefer dense deciduous forests and are much more common east of the Mississippi River. If you think you have seen a gray fox in North Dakota, it is more likely a swift fox or a red fox with unusual coloring, though a confirmed sighting would be of significant interest to local wildlife researchers.
Keep exploring
More places to see fox
More wildlife in North Dakota