Foxes hold a special place in the wilds of Tennessee.
These intelligent and adaptable creatures thrive throughout the state, making their homes in forests, fields, and even suburban neighborhoods.
Several species of fox call Tennessee home, the most common being the gray fox and the red fox.
These foxes play important roles in local ecosystems while capturing the imaginations of humans as wily, quick animals.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the foxes in Tennessee
We’ll learn how to identify each species, examine their behaviors and habitats, and understand the legalities around interacting with or hunting foxes in the state.
Whether you’re a nature lover, hunter, or just curious about local wildlife, you’re sure to find something new about Tennessee’s most iconic wild canines.
Foxes In Tennessee | What Kind of Foxes Are In Tennessee?
Two species of fox call Tennessee home: the red fox and the gray fox.
These canids thrive across the state, adapting to a variety of habitats from dense forests to backyard edges.
The Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is the most common and widespread fox in Tennessee.
Slightly smaller than a gray fox, these foxes display the signature bushy, white-tipped tail and reddish-orange fur.
Red foxes are nimble and quick, adept at hunting rodents, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and even fruit.
Though shy, red foxes will venture close to humans, especially in urban and suburban areas.
Red foxes make their dens in hollow logs, small caves, and abandoned burrows.
Breeding takes place in winter, with pups born in the early spring after a gestation period of 7-8 weeks.
The Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
The gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) is also found throughout Tennessee, preferring more heavily wooded areas.
They have salt-and-pepper gray fur, black markings on the muzzle and legs, and a black stripe down the top of the tail.
Gray foxes are excellent climbers, using their retractable claws and flexible spine to scramble up trees.
They hunt mice, voles, birds, eggs, and insects.
Gray foxes take shelter in hollow trees, rock crevices, or brush piles. Breeding occurs February-March, with 3-7 pups born after 9 weeks’ gestation.
Both species have adapted well to Tennessee’s varied landscapes, though gray foxes are more reclusive than the bold red foxes.
Keep your eyes peeled in both rural and developed areas to catch a glimpse of these wild canines.
Related Article – Are Foxes Nocturnal?
Can You Have a Pet Fox In Tennessee
Those interested in the idea of keeping a fox as an unconventional pet may be curious – is it legal to own a pet fox in Tennessee?
The answer is a cautious yes, but only under certain conditions.
It is possible to keep a captive-bred red fox as a pet in Tennessee with the proper permits.
(You can find more info here – Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency)
This $31 permit must be renewed annually. Pet fox owners must also purchase the fox from a facility with a USDA license, proving the animal was captive-bred.
Importing a fox requires an additional $31 import permit valid for 30 days.
While permitted, pet foxes are controversial. Foxes are not domesticated animals adapted to live in close quarters with humans.
They have strong odors and remain somewhat wild in behavior and instincts.
Exotic pet foxes require specialized care and housing that many find difficult to properly provide. It remains illegal in Tennessee to trap and keep wild red foxes or purchase foxes from unlicensed breeders.
Those committed to proper care can legally own a pet red fox in Tennessee with yearly permits.
However potential owners should extensively research fox behavior and care needs before embarking on this unique commitment.
Foxes are challenging pets suited only for very knowledgeable owners.
Related Article – Armadillos In Tennessee
Is It Legal to Kill a Fox In Tennessee?
In Tennessee, foxes are considered a protected furbearer species.
This means there are specific regulations around hunting, trapping, and killing foxes. While they can legally be hunted during designated seasons, there are rules to follow.
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency sets annual fox hunting and trapping seasons.
During these seasons, hunters and trappers must obtain proper licenses and follow limits on harvest numbers.
Methods are also regulated – firearms like shotguns and rimfire rifles are allowed, along with archery equipment.
Outside of hunting season, property owners can request permits to remove problem foxes.
Shooting and lethal traps may be allowed by TWRA agents if foxes are causing damage.
However, cruelty and non-specific traps are prohibited. Trapped foxes may need to be tested for rabies before disposal due to their status as a rabies vector species.
Those seeking to hunt, trap, or kill foxes in Tennessee must know the specific seasons, limits, and permit requirements.
While legal during certain regulated times, the indiscriminate killing of foxes is prohibited under wildlife protection laws.
Following TWRA’s established rules allows for legal removal while ensuring healthy fox populations statewide.
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Final Thoughts
Foxes hold a special place in Tennessee’s diverse wildlife.
These intelligent, adaptable canids thrive across the state, making their homes in forests, fields, suburbs, and parks.
The iconic red fox and the elusive gray fox can be found anywhere from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River valley if you know where to look.
Learning how to identify Tennessee’s fox species aids both wildlife enthusiasts and hunters.
Understanding fox behavior provides a glimpse into their important roles as prey and as predators in local ecosystems.
Examining the regulations around fox captivity and hunting enables law-abiding stewardship of these furry creatures.
Whether you hope to photograph foxes, hunt them sustainably, or just catch a glimpse of that bushy tail and sharp muzzle, Tennessee’s foxes never disappoint.
With their cat-like pounces, nocturnal wandering, and eerie nighttime calls, foxes capture our imagination.
Protecting fox habitats and studying fox populations will ensure these iconic mammals remain part of Tennessee’s wild heritage for generations to come.
Resources – (for further reading)
Justia US Law – TN Code § 70-4-103 (2021)
Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency – Red Fox, Vulpus vulpes
Tennessee Valley Hunt | Fox Hunting in Tennessee
Sarah has years of experience working as a zookeeper. She has cared for a wide variety of animals, from primates to big cats. Her passion for animals extends beyond her profession, as she dedicates her free time to writing about wildlife and their conservation.