The basic body color is grizzled gray with a distinctive black streak down the top of the tail. Gray foxes are generally considered mountain animals, but they also live in low, brushy areas, deciduous forests, and swamps. With decreasing habitat, they have now learned to live in residential areas, making dens under heavy brush or bushes, decks and homes. Gray foxes are excellent climbers, able to hook their paws over low branches and pull themselves up. Breeding season runs from late December to early March.
Foxes are monogomous and mate for life.
Cubs are born between late March and early May, with a litter averaging four cubs. Cubs are weaned by eight weeks and begin hunting with parents at three months. Gray foxes are an important part of the wildlife of this region. The number of harmful rodents they consume each year is beneficial, particularly in agricultural areas. Their usefulness as rodent controllers far outweighs the occasional damage they do to game birds or poultry.