South American gray fox
Scientific name: Lycalopex griseus
- How weight is recorded: Whole weight
Field notes
Appearance
Grizzled gray coat with russet-tinged back and flanks, white chin and underside. Noticeably smaller than a red fox, with narrower snout and proportionally smaller ears.
Size and weight
Males 2.0–2.7 kg, females 1.9–2.4 kg. Body length 63–76 cm; tail 27–32 cm.
Habitat
Open and semi-open grasslands, shrubsteppe, and dry scrubland at elevations from lowlands to approximately 3500 meters. Favours rolling terrain with scattered vegetation.
Distribution
Found in South America from southern Peru and Brazil south through the cone to Patagonia. Inhabits open and semi-open habitats along the eastern Andes foothills and pampas.
Diet
Small rodents (particularly field mice), ground-nesting birds, insects, and plant matter; diet varies seasonally with prey availability.
Behaviour
Crepuscular to nocturnal hunter, typically solitary or in pairs. Moves cautiously and low, regularly patrolling established routes through territory.
Hunting tips
Track small, neat circular prints (4–4.5 cm diameter) and lemon-shaped scat along trails and drainage lines. Approach with wind advantage and use undulating terrain for cover. Position yourself at open grassland edges during dawn and dusk when foxes patrol territories, or follow rodent runs where they concentrate hunting effort.
Whole weight
This species is logged by whole weight — the animal weighed entire, as taken.
Where it is hunted
Listed as huntable in 2 countries in Huntify.
Names in other languages
Current language: en
These field notes are general species knowledge, not legal advice. Always check the current seasons, quotas and firearm rules where you hunt.