Distinctive marks of red fox include feet that are usually black, with black fur also on the backs of the ears. A white tipped tail is common, and the red colors of the fur mute with grayish or whitish fur on the throat, bottom of the neck and belly areas. Colors vary in sections and with individuals. Many southern red fox are blondish, and darker reddish colors are usually found in northern farmlands and forests. Red fox on the western high plains are somewhat pale in color.
Color phases do occur with red fox, even in the same litters.
Color phases are much more apt to occur in northern or colder regions and almost never occur in southern regions. Black fox have black tipped guard hairs, and silver fox are black with white tipped guard hairs. Cross fox often have reddish sides and dark along the middle of the back area, with a cross of dark colored fur running from one front leg over the back to the other front leg. Bastard fox lack color and are brownish or grayish in color. Sampson fox have few or no guard hairs in their fur.