LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking Michiganders to keep an eye out for one of the state’s most elusive wild animals: the gray fox.

The DNR recently partnered with Northern Michigan University, the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, and the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians to conduct a research project on both red and gray foxes. Anyone who sees a gray fox should report it to the DNR.

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“Gray foxes are one of Michigan’s least understood mammals,” said Cody Norton, DNR furbearer specialist. “By sharing sightings and photographs, residents can help us get a better sense of where these animals occur and provide information that will shape future research and conservation efforts.”

“Gray foxes are one of Michigan’s least understood mammals,” said Cody Norton, DNR furbearer specialist. “By sharing sightings and photographs, residents can help us get a better sense of where these animals occur and provide information that will shape future research and conservation efforts.”

In addition, photographs are especially valuable because researchers can confirm sightings and gain a clearer understanding of where gray foxes are living in Michigan today.

Researchers hope public reports will help determine whether gray foxes are absent from certain areas, difficult to detect, or living in areas that traditional wildlife surveys may miss.

“We’ve learned that gray foxes often live closer to people than many realize,” said Tyler Petroelje, DNR Upper Peninsula research specialist. “They use structures such as garages, sheds, and outbuildings near wooded areas. Because of that, community scientists may be in the best position to help us understand where gray foxes are occurring. These observations can provide information we simply can’t collect through traditional research methods.”