Friday, December 12th, 2025

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Friday, December 12th, 2025

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Why are gray fox numbers dwindling in states like Illinois, Iowa? Studies aim to find out

A trail camera captures a photo of a gray fox on March 13, 2023. Wildlife scientists in Illinois, Iowa, and other Midwestern states are working to find out why gray fox populations have declined over the past few decades. (Photo courtesy of Iowa DNR)

How rare is it to see a gray fox in Illinois these days? The statewide survey that asks archery deer hunters to report sightings of bobcats, coyotes, red foxes and gray foxes during the bow season offers a surprising, yet not so surprising, answer.
Which is: very rare.

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