They tend to rest in open areas where they can keep a look out for predators Red foxes mate in January and February with cubs, or kits as they are often called, being born 49-56 days later. Foxes use the abandoned burrows of other animals as their dens, where the young are born. The kits will remain in the den for 3-5 weeks. Kits will leave the den permanently after about 3 months, and the family group splits up in August usually. When pursued by predators the red fox prefers to stay above ground, depending on its individual skill at evading capture.
Red fox has a state wide range in Iowa.
They are generally a mix of whitish and dark gray with sides, neck, lower flanks, and underside of the tail a rusty color. Gray foxes prefer woodland habitat and are not commonly found on farmland. Rocky brush land is ideal. The gray fox eats rodents, birds, insects, carrion, and is fond of cottontail rabbits. An unusual trait that the gray fox has that other wild dogs lack is its climbing ability, gray foxes will even climb trees .