Gray fox at Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. Photo credit: USFWS

Virginia Tech researchers are embarking on an exciting project focused on the elusive gray fox, and they need your help. Gray foxes play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, and understanding their behavior is crucial for their conservation.

Gray fox populations across North America have been declining over the last two decades. There are no published studies on gray fox population status in Virginia, but researchers, biologists, naturalists, hunters, and trappers from the state have noted, anecdotally, a decline in sightings, vocalizations, and camera trap photos over the last decade.

The Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources is funding the Virginia Gray Fox Project, which is being conducted by Dr. Marcella Kelly and Ph.D. student Victoria Monette of Virginia Tech. The primary goal of this project is to map the current distribution of gray fox across the state of Virginia and to assess the evidence for decline using past, historical camera trapping from around the state.

If you are interested in participating or learning more about Virginia Tech’s Gray Fox Project, reach out to the research team HERE!

Jason McGarvey – Jason is Virginia Outdoors Foundation’s communications manager.