Reproductive Characteristics of the Gray Fox in Southern Illinois

Abstract

Although the general features of reproduction in the gray fox, Urocyon cinereoargenteus, are known, comparatively few detailed studies of its reproductive biology in different parts of its extensive geographic range have been made. Such investigations are not only important in regions where control or other management of foxes is necessary; they also significantly contribute to a more comprehensive knowledge of the over-all reproductive habits of the species and the variability of specific reproductive characteristics in different parts of the range and under diverse ecological conditions. The accumulation of such data is fundamental to a better understanding of the relationships of the physical and biotic factors of the environment to natality and other attributes of fox populations. The present study is based upon a series of 218 gray foxes collected in Alexander, Jackson, Johnson, and Union counties in southern Illinois from December 1954, through June 1955. Of the total number of foxes handled, one was shot during the day, two were road kills, and the rest were killed at night after being lured within shotgun range with a call. The majority of the latter were obtained from cooperating hunters. A few specimens were examined within several hours after death, but most of them were frozen as soon as possible after being collected and examined at a later time.