Niche partitioning between red and gray foxes

Abigail R. Wills, Zachery T. Woods, and Zachery L. Swartzentruber

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While red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) and gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) share their range, neither the degree of niche overlap between them nor their relative ability to respond to temporary human disturbances has been examined. In this study, we used camera traps to compare observations of gray and red foxes by habitat, time of day, season as measured by day length, and human disturbance level. We detected spatial partitioning by habitat and temporal partitioning by season, but no temporal partitioning by time of day. We also found that gray foxes may be more tolerant than red foxes of human disturbance.

• Abby Wills is currently a junior biology major with minors in chemistry and psychology. She is a member of the Lander University Honors College, TriBeta National Biological Honor Society, and Alpha Chi National Honor Society. She plans to attend veterinary school after graduating from Lander.

• Zach Woods is a senior biology major with minors in chemistry and political science. His achievements include being student body president, a presidential ambassador, and interning with the Greenwood County Litter Prevention Coordinator. Zach plans to pursue a MS in Environmental Sciences and Policy at Johns Hopkins University.

• Zachrey Schwartzentruber is a junior biology major. After finishing at Lander, he plans to pursue a graduate degree in marine biology.