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- The reappearance of the species in Ontario is thought to result from relatively recent increases in range and abundance of Gray Fox in the United States and natural dispersal to Canada. The range increases may result, in part, from a warming climate that favours Gray Fox.
files.ontario.ca/mecp-gray-fox-government-response-statement-en-2020-04-23.pdf
People also ask
Why do gray foxes come back in Canada?
Can gray fox be recovered?
Are grey fox hunted in Canada?
Do grey foxes live in Ontario?
Does trapping affect gray fox populations in Canada?
Can gray foxes die from rabies in Canada?
Since 1970, six Gray Foxes have been trapped for rabies surveillance in Ontario (COSEWIC 2015). There is no record of a Gray Fox dying of canine distemper in Canada, but there is potential for Gray Foxes in Canada to be exposed to this disease (COSEWIC 2015b).
However, since 1900, the grey fox has reappeared in Canada, numbers of grey foxes have increased in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and New York, and the species has extended its range into previously unoccupied areas (Downing 1946; de Vos 1964; see Distribution section).
The most important cause of mortality of grey foxes in the United States is human harvest by trapping and hunting, but fewer than 20 pelts are taken annually in Canada. Due to the lack of knowledge about numbers of grey foxes in Canada, the significance of this harvest pressure is unknown.
Gray foxes are known as mesopredators because they are mid-tier predators and their prey consists mostly of smaller mammals, while coyotes are known as de facto apex predators due to the removal of other apex predators, like wolves, in North America.
This fox can be found in deciduous forests and marshes from southern Canada to northern South America. Gray foxes make their dens in rock outcrops, hollow trees, underground burrows dug by other animals or piles of brush.
In Canada, it is found only in Ontario and Manitoba. In Ontario, its historic range is across the southernmost portions of the province. In recent years, this range has been reduced to west of Lake Superior in the Rainy River District and on Pelee Island in west Lake Erie.
Government’s Recovery Goal. The government’s goal for the recovery of Gray Fox is to maintain the current distribution in Ontario and support natural increases in abundance and distribution by filling knowledge gaps, reducing threats and maintaining or enhancing suitable habitat and habitat connectivity.
