If you are a resident of Abilene, you may have recently discovered an animal that is neither like a dog nor a coyote, and is too large to be any type of cat. If so, you may have seen your first fox.

The first time I saw a fox was in Big Bend National Park many years ago. Sitting around a picnic table with friends late at night, there was only a camp lamp for lighting, and a red fox appeared from the bushes a few feet away from me. It neither moved forward nor escaped, just wandered back and forth, seeming not to know what to do. After a while, it disappeared into the darkness again.

This was the only time I saw any type of fox-until I moved to Abilene.

In recent years, many residents of Abilene, including me, have reported seeing foxes. Like coyotes, they seem to be able to adapt to urban life effortlessly, avoid humans, and make use of abundant food sources.

The red fox has a larger body, a reddish coat, and black "stockings" on its legs. Swift foxes have distinctly large ears and are much smaller than gray foxes, about 5 to 7 pounds, or about the size of a normal domestic cat.

Although it is conceivable to see red foxes and fast foxes in large countries, gray foxes are by far the most likely to be encountered. It can be distinguished by its gray color, black stripes on its tail, and oval (rather than slit-shaped) pupils. Like all foxes, gray fox females are slightly smaller than males, with an average weight of between 8 and 16 pounds (sometimes up to 20 pounds). Surprisingly, gray foxes can climb trees!

It is believed that gray foxes mate for life, and males bear some of the responsibilities of raising cubs. They are blind at birth in late spring, usually 3-7 in a litter after more than 50 days of gestation. The dark brown cubs will stay with their mother for about four to six months before venturing out to occupy their territory. Grey foxes are just one year old and ready to mate.

Although foxes prey on small mammals, they must watch out for large carnivores. Bobcats, coyotes, and large birds of prey can easily feed smaller foxes.

Like other canines, foxes are classified as carnivores or carnivores. However, gray foxes are omnivores and they eat almost anything edible. This includes rabbits, rodents, birds, insects, fruits and vegetables. Since foxes are willing to eat almost anything, urban environments like Abilene offer many possibilities.

I saw gray foxes in broad daylight in Abilene along Cedar Creek Waterway, T&P Lane near the railroad tracks, and in my front yard near Abilene Christian University. It found me inside, and it didn't seem to be disturbed when it tapped on the window of my bedroom a few feet away. The fox walked in the opposite direction carelessly.

If you are lucky enough to spot a gray fox, you need to consider some precautions. It is well known that they carry rabies. Be wary of abnormal behaviors. For example, foxes usually avoid attacking humans or large animals. In addition, although humans are generally not at risk of being attacked, if pets such as puppies and cats are left outside, they may be easily attacked.

Haven't seen a fox in Abilene yet? Give it some time. This is not a question of "if", but a question of "when".

Destry Greenway is a member of the Big Country Master Naturalist program in Abilene. All naturalists are volunteers interested in Texas outdoor activities. From our backyard to the natural spaces of the state, naturalists are learning, sharing and protecting our natural resources. The Great Power Natural History Society has just celebrated the 2021 graduation! Please pay attention to our 2022 autumn course announcement. To learn more about the Texas Naturalist Master's program and how to participate, please visit txmn.tamu.edu or our local Facebook page @BCTXMN.