Have You Seen a Gray Fox? DNR Wants Reports
Gray fox sightings are rare in Michigan. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking residents to report any gray fox sightings to help monitor their presence in the state.
Gray Foxes in Michigan: A Historical Look
Gray foxes have been part of Michigan’s wildlife for thousands of years, though they remain uncommon and are found only in low numbers across parts of the state. Despite spending a lifetime hunting in Michigan, I have yet to encounter a gray fox or gray wolf.
Gray fox populations from the southern Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula peaked during the 1970s and 1980s. Since then, populations have steadily declined.
Read More: Michigan Cougar Sightings Surge in 2026
Coyotes have played a significant role in shaping gray and red fox populations through predation and competition for resources. As a result, gray fox sightings have become much less common, and if you do spot a fox in Michigan, it is most likely a red fox.
Seen a Gray Fox? Michigan DNR Wants to Know
In a recent press release, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources noted that tracking gray foxes has been more challenging than expected. While the DNR has successfully tracked red fox populations, they are seeking public assistance in identifying areas where gray foxes are still present.
If you have seen a gray fox recently or in the past few years, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is asking you to report the sighting through its Eyes in the Field platform. Gray foxes are most commonly found in the Upper Peninsula and southern Lower Peninsula, but their presence in areas between these regions is still possible.
If you capture a gray fox on a trail camera or photograph one with your phone, that information could be extremely valuable to the DNR. Photos and reported sightings can help researchers better understand the distribution and presence of gray foxes across Michigan.
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