Castillo Rancon
Have you ever seen a flash of red fur darting across a country road? That might be a fox. They are some of America’s most interesting wild neighbors. According to the recent reports from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, state wildlife agencies, and conservation groups, these ten states are truly fox central. Ready to see where these clever critters live?
Alaska
Let’s kick things off up north, where Alaska isn’t just about bears and moose. Foxes rule here, too. It’s the only state where you’ll spot both arctic foxes (yes, the snowy white ones) and some wild red fox subspecies. Fun fact: Red fox fossils in Alaska go all the way back to the Ice Age. That’s one big local history.
Texas
Everything’s bigger in Texas, and that includes fox variety. The Lone Star State is home to red, gray, and swift foxes. Swift foxes are making a comeback in the Panhandle, red foxes are present mostly in the north-central part, and gray foxes—get this—can climb trees. If you’re out camping, don’t forget to look up!
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s got a little bit of everything—prairies, woodlands, and, yes, all three main fox species. Swift foxes love the open range, red foxes are all over the state, and gray foxes are so adaptable they’ll pop up in your backyard or even scale a tree to dodge a coyote. Foxes here are true Okies—flexible and always up to something.
Kansas
If you’re into grassland wildlife, Kansas is where it’s at for swift foxes. These little guys are built for the prairie life. Red and gray foxes are around, too, but swift foxes are the real locals’ favorite, thanks to their rare status and grassland skills. Bring your binoculars if you’re road-tripping through the open country.
Nebraska
Foxes love Nebraska’s Sandhills, just like the cattle do. The state’s got red, gray, and swift foxes. Swift foxes are a bit on the shy side and need conservation efforts, but red foxes are thriving, especially where there’s plenty of farmland. Gray foxes? Look for them near rivers and woods.
Colorado
If you’re a hiker, keep your eyes peeled—Colorado’s got some of the most unique foxes in the country. There’s a special Rocky Mountain red fox that’s adapted to the high altitudes like a true local. Then, there are swift foxes that hang out on the eastern plains and gray foxes that prefer the foothills.
South Dakota
Talk about a comeback story! Swift foxes were once gone from South Dakota but are now back in the prairies after some serious conservation efforts. Red foxes like the open fields, while gray foxes stick to brushy spots. If you’re into wildlife success stories, this is one to watch.
Wyoming
Wide-open spaces aren’t just for antelope in Wyoming. Swift foxes are holding steady here, thanks to ongoing research and monitoring. Red foxes are everywhere, especially in the mountains, and gray foxes pop up in the right habitats. Foxes in Wyoming are as tough as the folks who call it home.
Montana
Montana’s got foxes—and not just any foxes. Swift foxes are making a solid comeback on the northern plains, and you’ll find Rocky Mountain red foxes statewide. Gray foxes are more of a western Montana thing, as they prefer the forests. Montana’s conservation work is a win for wildlife enthusiasts.
California
California’s fox lineup is wild. It’s the only state with the endangered San Joaquin kit fox and the super-rare Sierra Nevada red fox (maybe only a few dozen left!). Red foxes here are a genetic grab bag, with both native and introduced types, and gray foxes are everywhere, from the woods to the chaparral. Only in California, right?
