Wildlife: A Gray Fox seen in the wild in Guatemala cover photo - 171579287

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Cover photo description:
A Gray Fox Urocyon cinereoargenteus is seen on the El Zotz La Palotada Natural Reserve, in PetÃ©n, Guatemala. Is an omnivorous mammal of the family Canidae, widespread throughout North America and Central America. It is the only American canid that can climb trees. The gray fox appeared in North America during the mid-Pliocene Hemphillian land animal age epoch, 3.6 million years ago with the first fossil evidence found at the lower 111 Ranch site, Graham County, Arizona. Faunal remains at two northern California cave sites confirm the presence of the gray fox during the late Pleistocene. Genetic analysis has shown that the gray fox migrated into the northeastern United States post-Pleistocene in association with the Medieval Climate Anomaly warming trend. In some areas, high population densities exist near brush-covered bluffs. The gray fox`s ability to climb trees is shared only with the Asian raccoon dog among canids. Its strong, hooked claws allow it to scramble up trees to escape many predators, such as the domestic dog or the coyote, or to reach tree-bound or arboreal food sources. The gray fox is an omnivorous, solitary hunter. It frequently preys on voles, shrews, and birds. It also eats rodents, followed by rabbits. In some parts of the Western United States, the gray fox is primarily insectivorous and herbivorous. Fruit is an important component of their diet.