Foxes in Georgia (Types, Habitat, Diet..)

Foxes are a common sight in Georgia, with four species making the state their home. The grey fox is a smaller variety and can often be spotted in residential areas, though they live primarily in forests. The red fox is more widely spread across the state and habitats include woodlands along with suburban gardens. The most frequently seen fox breed in Georgia is the swift fox, which as its name suggests, is known for its extreme speed.

There’s even an event held every year in January where residents of Georgia state gather to view the fortunes and celebrate the natural beauty that foxes contribute to its environment.

Types of Foxes in Georgia

• Gray Fox: 

Georgia is home to a unique species of fox, the grey fox. It often goes unnoticed due to its small size but is relatively common throughout the state. The grey fox has rust-coloured fur on its back and sides. Its head and back are black with some white markings, and it has white fur on the sides and underside of its body. Gray foxes may be seen in both rural and urban parts of the state, from marshes and coastal areas to cities like Atlanta.

Their unique skill set makes them suited for life in any area: they jump with their hind legs like cats or squirrels, can climb trees when needed, and even dig dens beneath dense objects like tree stumps or rock piles when they need a place to rest!

• Red Fox 

Georgia is home to a large population of red foxes, known scientifically as Vulpes vulpes. Although they can weigh as much as 10 to 12 pounds, these furry animals are surprisingly agile. Their diet depends on whatever is available, ranging from small mammals and birds to frogs and insects. Red foxes during the winter will sometimes scavenge human sources of food, making them somewhat of a nuisance in some areas.

The red fox den is usually located among rocks or in an abandoned burrow and can either be a single chamber or multiple chambers. The coastal regions of Georgia provide ample space and exposure for this species to thrive, ensuring that generations of red foxes will continue to roam the area for many years to come.

Habitat

Foxes in Georgia inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, mountain ranges, agricultural lands, and suburban residential areas. They are very adaptable creatures who live on the edge of society and are often found scavenging for food near picnic areas and campsites.

Diet

Foxes in Georgia have incredibly varied and balanced diets, subsisting mostly on small mammals such as voles, rabbits, and moles. They also hunt birds, lizards, frogs, and fish; their diet during the winter changes to include more scavenged carrion or refuse sources.

They also have preferred diets of other small animals living in or near water sources or burrows, foxes enjoy fruits and vegetables like apples or raspberries. Foxes are also adept at being opportunistic feeders; they’ll quickly take advantage of any available food source they can find. Their omnivorous diet allows them to sustain themselves over a wide range of ecosystems while they search for prey that is not only nutrient-rich but also provides enough calories to maintain their metabolisms.

Colour

Georgia is home to a variety of fox species, with roughly sixteen documented types. One of the more famous is the red fox which is found in a variety of habitats across the region. These foxes characteristically have red-tawny fur on their back and flanks, but their undersides, feet, and legs tend to be silver or white. It is not uncommon for these animals to have black guard hairs mixed in with the red as well. Other species of foxes in Georgia include the Gray Fox, Swift Fox and Arctic Fox. 

Size, Lifespan and Weight 

Foxes, native to Georgia, come in a variety of sizes and tend to live anywhere between two and four years. Although the size of these foxes depends on the species, the average weight is typically six to twelve pounds. These creatures are independent yet loyal animals whose presence can be stunningly beautiful. Not only do they possess remarkable physical characteristics — long ears, sleek bodies and often reddish coats – but also unmatched alertness and energy. 

Predators

Foxes in Georgia are skilful and resourceful hunters, but they too can be vulnerable in the wild. They face potential threats from a variety of predators, such as wolves, bobcats, bears, coyotes, cougars and hawks. Some of these animals will take advantage of a fox if it is alone or has been injured. Wolves may even form packs to hunt for larger prey like foxes. Even if foxes do escape the clutches of their pursuers, they could still fall victim to diseases that their predators spread in the environment.

Reproduction

Foxes reproduce in Georgia every year between mid-January and mid-March. Unlike other animals, female foxes give birth to their young in dens that they will dig or build rather than migrate to specific birthing grounds. On average, a female gives birth to four or five kits each spring with the average litter size being impacted by food availability and weather conditions. After around nine weeks, the babies will leave the den in search of food and start exploring their range outside of the den. The parents help guide them through this process and protect them from predators until they are capable hunters on their own around seven months later.

Are foxes rare in Georgia?

No, they are quite common in Georgia both in city limits and in the wild. 

How common are foxes in Georgia?

Yes, they are quite common in both city limits and the wild. 

Are fennec foxes legal in Georgia?

No, Fennec foxes in Georgia are not legal.

References:

https://nwco.net/states/states-a-h/georgia/georgia-wildlife-species/foxes/

https://news.uga.edu/southeastern-gray-foxes-struggling/

https://nwco.net/states/states-a-h/georgia/georgia-wildlife-species/foxes/

https://georgiawildlife.com/sites/default/files/wrd/pdf/uwp/UWP%20Fox%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf