How to Track Red Foxes

The red fox is a member of the dog family and has similar characteristics in its track, but there are distinct differences that make it identifiable. You can find the red fox throughout the mid and eastern United States and mid and southern Canada.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Examine the tracks. Like dogs, the red fox has four toes on front and hind feet, nails that usually register in the track and an "X" shape in the space between the toes and heel. One defining characteristic of the red fox print is a bar shape found on the heel area.

2. Check the pattern. The red fox follows a direct register pattern, meaning it places its hind feet directly on top of its front feet tracks. However, there are times when you may see all four prints, especially when the fox is trotting.

3. Measure the stride. The typical stride of the red fox is 14 to 16 inches, although it can be as short as 13 inches and as great as 18 ¾ inches. Measure stride from the top edge of the aft print to the top edge of the fore print.

4. Calculate the straddle. The width of the red fox trail is slightly larger than the gray fox, at 3 to 3 1/2 inches. To calculate the straddle, draw a line for the stride on the outside edge of left (or right) print, and then measure from that line to the edge of the opposite print.