How do red foxes and gray foxes use different habitats in North America?

In North America, red foxes and gray foxes occupy distinct ecological niches, though both are members of the canine family.

• Red Fox: These animals are highly adaptable and thrive in a wide variety of environments, ranging from Arctic tundra to arid deserts. They prefer mixed landscapes consisting of forests and grasslands and have successfully integrated into human-dominated areas, including large cities and suburbs.12
• Gray Fox: In contrast, the gray fox is primarily associated with forested, rocky, and brush-covered country. A unique behavioral adaptation that distinguishes them from other foxes is their ability to climb trees, which complements their preference for these more rugged, wooded habitats.3

While red foxes are known for their ability to exploit urban ecosystems and avoid competition with larger predators like coyotes by selecting developed areas, the gray fox remains more retiring and is specifically tied to natural, cover-rich environments.31