Foxes are everywhere—and they’re closer than you think. In forests, suburbs, even city parks, these clever creatures are thriving right under our noses.
Curious where you’re most likely to spot one? Here are 15 states where foxes are making their presence known, sometimes in the most unexpected places.
1. Alaska
Red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in Alaska are widespread. According to the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, there are no current population estimates, but the number of red foxes in the state is in the tens of thousands.
You’ll find them especially in lowland marshes and areas with diverse terrain. Red foxes are common south of the Arctic tundra and are adaptable to a variety of habitats—even suburban areas where food sources are plentiful.
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2. Pennsylvania
Studies in Pennsylvania show that some busy agricultural areas have only one fox for every 300 acres or 2.1 foxes per square mile. The ratio is much higher in wooded areas with less farming, with one fox for every 50 acres, or 12.8 per square mile. You can often tell gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) from red foxes by their tracks since gray foxes have larger toe pads and smaller feet. (ref)
These foxes are often spotted in suburban areas and rural landscapes with woods, marshes, and farmland. Red foxes are particularly adaptable, often making themselves at home in residential neighborhoods.
3. Wisconsin
Red and gray foxes are now common in Wisconsin. While there are no specific population estimates, the largest populations are located in the western, central, and southern regions, while smaller groups can be found in the extensive forests of northern Wisconsin.
Since 1945, red fox populations have been generally high. However, the growing number of coyotes in the area may be causing a recent decline in red fox numbers.
4. Connecticut
Red foxes are common throughout Connecticut, and gray foxes typically have a home range of about 2 to 4 square miles. (ref) However, this range can change based on the amount of food available in the area.
Connecticut doesn’t have a total fox count, but you could encounter them in forests and open fields. They’re also frequently spotted in suburban areas, parks, and even golf courses, where food and cover are easy to find.
5. California
California’s fox population includes the rare Sierra Nevada red fox, with only about 18 to 39 individuals remaining. (ref)
These foxes primarily live in the Sierra Nevada and southern Cascade regions, preferring subalpine habitats with snowy, open, and forested areas.
6. Texas
There are no current estimated fox populations in Texas, but they do frequent the state’s wooded areas, grasslands, and agricultural lands. The red fox population in Central Texas likely descends from forty foxes released near Waco between 1890 and 1895.
Their offspring and an additional 60 imported foxes spread to nearby counties and beyond. Today, red foxes inhabit the eastern, north-central, and Trans-Pecos regions, with the largest populations in north-central Texas. (ref)
7. Virginia
Virginia Tech researchers are studying gray foxes to find out why their numbers might be declining. So far, gray foxes have been spotted in 25 locations, which is about 13 percent of the areas studied. (ref)
Meanwhile, the red fox is found almost everywhere except the southeastern corner, preferring areas with fewer people and diverse habitats. In Loudoun County alone, the red fox population is estimated to be between 700 and 1,000. (ref)
8. North Carolina
Both red and gray foxes live in North Carolina today, but the gray fox is the only native species in the state. There are no population estimates for these foxes. By 2005, coyotes were found in all 100 counties of North Carolina, reaching Hatteras Island by 2009. (ref)
Coyotes are out-competing red foxes but are not affecting gray fox populations as much. You’re likely to spot red foxes in coastal plains and forested areas, particularly around agricultural fields and residential neighborhoods where food sources are plentiful.
9. Michigan
Michigan is home to the red fox and gray fox. There isn’t a total count of foxes, but they are spread widely over Michigan. There are 25 species of Lansing foxes worldwide, including 47 recognized subspecies. The Michigan red fox is the most common species and originally came from England. (ref)
You might see them in forests, fields, and even urban areas. They’re often spotted in suburban neighborhoods, hunting for small rodents and birds.
10. Maine
You’ll find an estimated 74,162 red foxes in Maine. They inhabit almost the entire state, with the highest numbers in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 1, 4, 6, 7, and 8. WMUs are also called Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) (ref) or Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs). These are areas that wildlife managers use to monitor and manage animal populations.
According to the state’s Red Fox assessment, WMUs 1, 4, 6, 7, and 8 have high numbers of red foxes, so they might get special attention for tracking or setting hunting rules. (ref) WMU 1 is in the northernmost part of Maine, WMU 4 in western Maine, WMU 6 in east-central Maine, WMU 7 in central Maine, and WMU 8 in southwestern Maine.
Red foxes thrive in a mix of forested areas, such as evergreen woods, agricultural lands, and suburban environments where they can easily find food.
11. Minnesota
While Minnesota accommodates both red foxes and gray foxes, the red fox is common throughout the state, including in the Twin Cities and suburbs. This dog-like, reddish animal lives in ground dens or brush piles and is most active at night.
It’s the state’s most common predator, with hunters and trappers taking up to 100,000 each year, yet the population remains strong. (ref) Winter track data (1994-2015) suggests Minnesota’s red fox numbers are stable but below their long-term average (ref)
12. Georgia
There isn’t a current estimate of Georgia’s fox population size, but people in Royston City are noticing more foxes out during the day than before.
Across Georgia, foxes can often be spotted in suburban neighborhoods, parks, forests, and rural areas.They tend to be more abundant in cultivated areas, where there are plenty of food sources available.
13. Florida
There are no current fox count, but Florida is home to both red and gray foxes. Gray foxes are found statewide, preferring dense, wooded areas away from populated areas.
Red foxes, also spread throughout the state and considered naturalized, are more visible since they avoid thick forests and are more adaptable to open areas. You might also see them in suburban areas, where they have easy access to food from gardens and trash.
14. South Carolina
Both red and gray foxes are found in South Carolina. While there’s no estimate of their total number in South Carolina, they are spread throughout the state, with the highest populations in farming areas.
It’s common to see red foxes in neighborhoods. Like other wildlife, they are adapting to changing habitats. Residential areas offer food (like fruit, pet food, garbage, small animals) and shelter (like shrubs and crawl spaces) that foxes use.
15. Tennessee
Red and gray foxes abound in Tennessee. These foxes thrive in various environments, such as forests, fields, and suburban areas. Nashville residents are even noticing them more often.
According to Rebecca Garner, Assistant Director at Nashville Wildlife Conservation, as told to StyleBlueprint, “As Nashville grows, new construction for homes and businesses is pushing wildlife out of their habitats. (ref) This disruption is leading to more fox sightings and interactions.” However, there are no population estimates for foxes in the area or within the state.
Each type has its special traits and habitats. Knowing more about foxes helps you understand the wildlife around you better.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.