Background

The wild animal population of Rock Creek Park has increased in recent years.  They have become adapted to living among humans and often use our garbage and gardens for their benefit.  Deer, red and gray foxes, raccoons are often seen and the presence of coyotes has been documented.  Here are pictures and links to the less common ones.

Red Fox

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes), a member of the Canidae (dog) family, inhabits most of North America and Eurasia. It is rusty red, with a white underbelly, black ear tips and legs, and a bushy tail with a distinctive white tip, is 18 to 30 inches long and weighs 6 to 15 pounds.  Many of us have heard their high-pitched bark, sometimes sounding like a baby in distress.  They are intelligent, speedy and consume a mixed diet of fruits, berries, grasses, insects, and small animals such as birds, mice and rabbits.  They are not dangerous to humans or our pets.  You can obtain more information from Wikipedia and National Geographic.

Gray Fox

Also a member of the Canidae, the gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) also has some red coloring, but is only a distant relative of the red fox.  About the same size, it is slower but able to climb trees.  Its diet is similar but it is more shy and active primarily at night.  Further information is available at Wikipedia and a Texas mammals website

Coyote

More dog-like in appearance, the coyote (Canis latrans) is larger, 20 to 50 pounds, and can hunt larger game, particularly in packs.  They are normally fearful of humans, but can become acclimated to us, which increases the chances of attacks on pets and humans.  It is much more common to hear them than see them.  If sighted, one should make noise to maintain their fear of humans.  You can find more information on Wikipedia, National Geographic, and the Rock Creek Park website.