Red foxes seem to prefer somewhat open habitats and are not creatures of dense forests. They are found mostly in areas with interspersed croplands, old fields, and woodlots, especially along the edges formed by these habitats. European settlers released red foxes brought from Europe and other parts of northern North America into the eastern United States. Red foxes were imported primarily for the sport of hunting, an activity that had long been a popular pastime in Europe. Since then, the red fox has been gradually expanding it's range.
Fox hunting is still a popular sport today.
Hounds are used to chase the fox while the hunters follow, usually on horseback or sometimes on foot. The object of the hunt is often just to chase the fox, many times the fox is not actually taken. Besides being a game animal, red foxes are also considered furbearers and are taken during regulated trapping seasons. They are also raised on game farms for their pelts. In years past, foxes, like many other predators, were viewed as undesirable animals and bounties were often paid to eliminate them.