Its ears, neck, and sides of the limbs are cinnamon-colored. Its tail has a contrasting thin black stripe on the dorsal side with a mane of stiff hairs. The underside of the tail is a rusty color. This fur coat molts once a year during the fall months from August to November. At that time, the fur coat fades in color and the fur tips curl at the ends.
Young foxes tend to have a paler but thicker dorsal fur coat compared to adults.
In addition, its ears are darker in color compared to adult foxes. The island fox is omnivorous, with a diet consisting mostly of insects and fruits. Their diet depends on seasonal and regional abundance of food items. Fruits and berries include manzanita, toyon, saltbush, prickly pear cactus, ice plant, and the fruits of sea-figs. They also feed on deer mice and birds.