The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking anyone who has seen a gray fox, recently or years ago, to report the sighting.
Recent research suggests gray foxes may be harder to find than previously thought, the DNR is asking the public to help locate them.
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The DNR will accept all reports for mapping, but particularly requests photographs to help wildlife biologists confirm species identification and observation locations.
Sharing sightings and photographs can help provide information to shape future research and conservation efforts.
Research on the Michigan foxes, both red and gray, was conducted through a partnership with DNR, Northern Michigan University, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians and The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians.
Experts are now trying to understand why the gray fox population may be declining across the Midwest and Northeast states.
Gray fox vs. red fox
Gray foxes can be distinguished from red foxes by their grizzled gray coat, black-tipped tail and reddish coloration on the neck, chest and legs.
Red foxes tend to be more familiar to Michiganders, gray foxes are usually smaller and more elusive.
Gray foxes are also one of the few members of the dog family capable of climbing trees like a cat, due to their semi-retractable claws.
Where you may find a gray fox
Although gray foxes are found throughout the Americas, Michigan is the foxes’ northernmost home.
In Michigan, the gray fox population has mainly been reported in the Upper Peninsula and southern Lower Peninsula.
Researchers hope public reports will help determine whether gray foxes are absent from certain areas, simply difficult to detect or occupy habitats that traditional wildlife surveys may miss.
According to the DNR gray fox data may be hard to gather through traditional methods because foxes live close to people.
Gray foxes often use structures such as garages, sheds and outbuildings near wooded areas.
The DNR advises residents to look for images that may come from trail cameras, doorbell cameras and home security systems of the foxes.
Report a gray fox observation
Click here to submit recent observations of gray foxes.
Click here to submit any information on gray foxes from previous years.
When submitting a report, the DNR asks reports to include any available photographs, observation details and contact information, for follow-up questions.