Red foxes, scientifically known as Vulpes vulpes, live in urban areas throughout the United States, including here in the Inland Northwest. Researchers began documenting the influx a decade or so ago.

Red foxes and other vulpines are wonderful neighbors and live in or near towns and cities wherever they're found. They're playful, clever, witty, and emotional animals.

Even though they are called red foxes, the small members of the dog family come in a variety of colors. The most common is an orangish-red that most of us think of as the true color of red foxes.