Types of Fox in Vermont
Yes, Vermont is home to two native fox species, the red fox and the gray fox, which are found throughout the state's forests and fields. While red foxes are more common in open areas, gray foxes prefer the dense cover of the Green Mountains. Start your search at dawn or dusk for the best odds.
By Tim, founder of Easy Street Markets. I maintain the wildlife database and verify every animal and source myself. Updated July 2, 2026.
Vermont has one established type of fox: the Red Fox. Below are the related species here that people most often mistake for it.
- 1
- species recorded
- January, February, May
- peak months
The wider family, source iNaturalist
Other the dog family in Vermont
Only one kind of fox lives in Vermont, so the useful question is which related animals share the state. 3 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 Red Fox, Coyote and Gray 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.
Real sighting data, source iNaturalist
1,579 verified observations on iNaturalist of fox have been recorded in Vermont, most often in January, February, May.
When fox are recorded in Vermont
Yes, Vermont is home to two native fox species, the red fox and the gray fox, which are found throughout the state's forests and fields. While red foxes are more common in open areas, gray foxes prefer the dense cover of the Green Mountains. Start your search at dawn or dusk for the best odds.
What types of foxes live in Vermont?
Vermont hosts two fox species. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) has a rusty red coat, white-tipped tail, and black legs. The gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) is smaller, with a salt-and-pepper gray back, black-tipped tail, and a black stripe along the tail. Gray foxes are unique among canids for their ability to climb trees. Both are year-round residents. Check ourfox identification hubfor more on field marks.
In Vermont, foxes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto 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.
How can you tell a red fox from a gray fox?
The easiest field mark is the tail tip: red fox has a white tip, gray fox has a black tip. Red foxes are generally larger (10-15 pounds) and have a more dog-like face. Gray foxes weigh 7-13 pounds and have a cat-like face with a shorter snout. Gray foxes also have dark tear marks below the eyes. Coyotes are often mistaken for red foxes but are larger (35-45 pounds), have a rounder face, and carry their tail down while running.
Where in Vermont are foxes most often seen?
Red foxes are most frequently spotted in the Champlain Valley and other agricultural areas, along field edges and brushy fencerows. Gray foxes stick to dense forests, especially in the Green Mountains and southern Vermont. Both species adapt to suburban edges; walkers on rail-trails or near woods often notice them at dawn. For a broader look at Vermont wildlife, visit ourVermont wildlife page.
See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What is the best season for fox sightings in Vermont?
Late winter (February-March) offers the best odds: foxes are active during breeding season, and snow makes their tracks and movement easy to follow. Dawn and dusk are prime times year-round. Summer evenings can also be good, especially in hayfields where foxes hunt rodents. Winter is also the easiest time to spot dens along hillsides.
Fox-themed gear for your next outing
If you enjoy spotting foxes in Vermont, consider a wildlife shirt to show your interest. These make great conversation starters on the trail.
Vintage Fox Moon Graphic T-Shirt
A subtle, artistic fox design printed on a soft tee. Perfect for casual wear or layering on cool mornings.Check Price and Availability
Wild Fantastic Fox Realistic Wildlife Forest Creature T-Shirt
A detailed, realistic fox portrait for those who prefer a bold wildlife look.Check Price and Availability
Browse our fullfox-themed t-shirtsfor more options.
Adorable Animal Magnet SVG Bundle Safari
Pair of woodland fox magnets. Cute illustrated style.Check Price and Availability
Do foxes live in Vermont year-round?
Yes, both red and gray foxes are permanent residents of Vermont and do not migrate. They are well-adapted to the state's seasonal changes, growing thicker coats in the winter and relying on their keen hunting skills to find food beneath the snow. You can see their tracks year-round in the many forests and fields across the state.
What do Vermont foxes eat?
Their diet consists mostly of small mammals like voles, mice, and rabbits, which are abundant in Vermont's varied landscape. They are opportunistic and will also eat birds, insects, and seasonal fruits or berries. During the winter, they may scavenge on larger carcasses if they cannot find enough live prey, making them an important part of the state's ecological cleanup crew.
Are foxes dangerous to humans or pets?
Foxes are generally shy and will go to great lengths to avoid humans. They are not a threat to people and rarely pose a danger to domestic pets like dogs and cats, though they may occasionally target free-ranging chickens. While rabies is possible, it is not common in Vermont's fox population. Always enjoy these beautiful animals from a safe distance.
Can I attract foxes to my yard in Vermont?
It is not recommended to intentionally attract foxes to your yard by feeding them. Habituation to humans can lead to unwanted behaviors and potential conflicts for both the foxes and your neighbors. Instead, focus on creating a healthy, natural habitat with native plants that support the small mammals and insects that foxes naturally hunt for food.
What is the difference between a fox and a coyote?
Coyotes are significantly larger than foxes, weighing between 35 and 45 pounds, and have a much longer snout and rounder face. Foxes have a more delicate build, bushier tails, and a characteristic 'yapping' call that is distinct from the coyote's howl. If you see a canid running with its tail held low, it is likely a coyote, as foxes carry their tails more horizontally.
How do gray foxes climb trees in Vermont?
Gray foxes are the only members of the dog family in Vermont that can climb trees. They have rotating wrists and semi-retractable claws that allow them to scramble up trunks to escape predators or hunt for food. You might occasionally spot one resting on a high branch in the dense woods of the Green Mountains, a behavior that red foxes cannot replicate.
Where should I start my fox search in Vermont?
The edges of hayfields in the Champlain Valley are excellent for red foxes, especially in the early morning. For gray foxes, try the quieter forest trails in the southern part of the state. Look for tracks in soft mud or snow and be patient. Staying in one spot near a known game trail often yields better results than trying to cover too much ground in a single outing.
Gear and field guides
Frequently asked questions
What types of foxes live in Vermont?+
Vermont hosts two fox species. The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) has a rusty red coat, white-tipped tail, and black legs. The gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) is smaller, with a salt-and-pepper gray back, black-tipped tail, and a black stripe along the tail. Gray foxes are unique among canids for their ability to climb trees. Both are year-round residents. Check ourfox identification hubfor more on field marks. In Vermont, foxes sightings usually improve when you slow down and match your first stop to the most useful ID markers and likely lookalikes. Use thestate wildlife huband theroute guideto 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.
How can you tell a red fox from a gray fox?+
The easiest field mark is the tail tip: red fox has a white tip, gray fox has a black tip. Red foxes are generally larger (10-15 pounds) and have a more dog-like face. Gray foxes weigh 7-13 pounds and have a cat-like face with a shorter snout. Gray foxes also have dark tear marks below the eyes. Coyotes are often mistaken for red foxes but are larger (35-45 pounds), have a rounder face, and carry their tail down while running.
Where in Vermont are foxes most often seen?+
Red foxes are most frequently spotted in the Champlain Valley and other agricultural areas, along field edges and brushy fencerows. Gray foxes stick to dense forests, especially in the Green Mountains and southern Vermont. Both species adapt to suburban edges; walkers on rail-trails or near woods often notice them at dawn. For a broader look at Vermont wildlife, visit ourVermont wildlife page. See ourstate animal guidefor the next step.
What is the best season for fox sightings in Vermont?+
Late winter (February-March) offers the best odds: foxes are active during breeding season, and snow makes their tracks and movement easy to follow. Dawn and dusk are prime times year-round. Summer evenings can also be good, especially in hayfields where foxes hunt rodents. Winter is also the easiest time to spot dens along hillsides.
Do foxes live in Vermont year-round?+
Yes, both red and gray foxes are permanent residents of Vermont and do not migrate. They are well-adapted to the state's seasonal changes, growing thicker coats in the winter and relying on their keen hunting skills to find food beneath the snow. You can see their tracks year-round in the many forests and fields across the state.
What do Vermont foxes eat?+
Their diet consists mostly of small mammals like voles, mice, and rabbits, which are abundant in Vermont's varied landscape. They are opportunistic and will also eat birds, insects, and seasonal fruits or berries. During the winter, they may scavenge on larger carcasses if they cannot find enough live prey, making them an important part of the state's ecological cleanup crew.
Are foxes dangerous to humans or pets?+
Foxes are generally shy and will go to great lengths to avoid humans. They are not a threat to people and rarely pose a danger to domestic pets like dogs and cats, though they may occasionally target free-ranging chickens. While rabies is possible, it is not common in Vermont's fox population. Always enjoy these beautiful animals from a safe distance.
Can I attract foxes to my yard in Vermont?+
It is not recommended to intentionally attract foxes to your yard by feeding them. Habituation to humans can lead to unwanted behaviors and potential conflicts for both the foxes and your neighbors. Instead, focus on creating a healthy, natural habitat with native plants that support the small mammals and insects that foxes naturally hunt for food.
What is the difference between a fox and a coyote?+
Coyotes are significantly larger than foxes, weighing between 35 and 45 pounds, and have a much longer snout and rounder face. Foxes have a more delicate build, bushier tails, and a characteristic 'yapping' call that is distinct from the coyote's howl. If you see a canid running with its tail held low, it is likely a coyote, as foxes carry their tails more horizontally.
How do gray foxes climb trees in Vermont?+
Gray foxes are the only members of the dog family in Vermont that can climb trees. They have rotating wrists and semi-retractable claws that allow them to scramble up trunks to escape predators or hunt for food. You might occasionally spot one resting on a high branch in the dense woods of the Green Mountains, a behavior that red foxes cannot replicate.
Where should I start my fox search in Vermont?+
The edges of hayfields in the Champlain Valley are excellent for red foxes, especially in the early morning. For gray foxes, try the quieter forest trails in the southern part of the state. Look for tracks in soft mud or snow and be patient. Staying in one spot near a known game trail often yields better results than trying to cover too much ground in a single outing.
Keep exploring
More places to see fox
More wildlife in Vermont