Fox Sighting

The Sonoran Desert is enjoying a cool spell, providing gorgeous weather for an afternoon trek in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve.  Three of us met up to trek out to Balanced Rock and marvel at the towering saguaros on the way.  On our return, we stopped to enjoy the noisy chatter of two ground squirrels, when a sharp-eyed trekker spotted large mammal movement below the trail.

At first, we thought it was a juvenile coyote, but there was something different about it... more delicate and angular, with enormous ears. Turns out it was a beautiful little gray fox.

Foxes are nocturnal, so it is not easy to see them. However, the gray fox also can be seen out and about during the morning and early evening hours searching for a wide variety of things to eat from small mammals and reptiles to berries, beans and cactus fruit.

Gray foxes are known for their unique ability to climb trees using their sharp, thick and slightly curved claws.  Their tree climbing ability enables them to escape many predators such as coyotes and dogs trailing them.

The untouched boulder-strewn terrain found of the area is the perfect place for a gray fox pair to create a den for their young, usually born in the spring. On this particular day, this gray fox seemed to be enjoying the cool, sunny afternoon as he ignored the scolding squirrels. After a couple of minutes, he turned on his paws and trotted off, quickly camouflaged against the backdrop of granite and creosote. Wonder in the desert is often fleeting, so enjoy the moment.

Points to Ponder for Young Trackers

• When you trek in wild places, pay attention to the birds and animals.  Sometimes a flitting bird or chattering squirrel is a warning. Stop and survey the terrain to see if you can spot a potential predator.
• Learn about animal tracks.  It is sometimes hard to see tracks in the dry dusty soil of the desert. Check areas where water collects. 
• Scat, fur and other animal remains can give us clues about what animals frequent the area. 
• Look for areas with steady food and water sources.  Berries, nuts, seeds and lush foliage attract insects, birds and smaller animals, and where there is an abundance of prey, larger predators are sure to appear.
• Always, track with caution.  Wild animals are fun to see, but need to be enjoyed at a safe distance. Animals who are sick, accompanying young or and/feel threatened can be dangerous.

References and Resources

Fox World - Kit Fox
Tucson.com - How to Read the Footprints of Desert Critters
Nature Tracking 
McDowell Mountain Preserve Flora and Fauna
Desert Wildlife Services


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