Hoary Fox

The hoary fox is a small, delicate canid native to central Brazil. It is one of the most specialized foxes in South America, known for its gentle behavior, slender build, and unique diet that relies heavily on insects. Its soft gray coat and subtle markings give it a “frosted” appearance, which is where the name “hoary” comes from.

Physical Description

Hoary foxes have soft, fine fur that ranges from pale gray to silver‑gray, often with a slightly frosted look. Their legs and ears have warm reddish or tawny tones, and their undersides are pale or white. They have a narrow muzzle, large pointed ears, and a long, bushy tail with a dark or black tip.

Their build is slender and lightweight, making them well‑suited for open savannas and grasslands.

What They Look Like

Hoary foxes have a gentle, elegant appearance with soft coloration.

Key visual traits include:

• Pale gray or silver‑gray coat with a frosted look

• Reddish or tawny legs and ears

• White or cream underside

• Long, bushy tail with a dark or black tip

• Large, pointed ears

• Narrow, delicate muzzle

• Slender, graceful body

They look somewhat similar to the Pampas fox but are smaller, lighter, and more gray‑toned.

Size

Hoary foxes are small canids.

• Body length: 20 to 24 inches (50 to 60 cm)

• Tail length: 10 to 14 inches (25 to 36 cm)

• Weight: 5 to 9 pounds (2.3 to 4.1 kg)

Their slender build makes them appear even smaller than their measurements suggest.

Native Habitat

Hoary foxes live almost exclusively in Brazil, especially in:

• The Cerrado (tropical savanna)

• Dry grasslands

• Shrublands

• Open woodlands

They prefer areas with scattered trees, tall grasses, and termite mounds.

Lifespan

• Wild: 6 to 8 years

• Human care: Up to 12 to 14 years

Their lifespan varies depending on habitat quality and human activity.

Communication

Hoary foxes communicate through:

• Soft barks

• Whines

• Chirps

• Scent marking

• Tail and body posture

They are generally quiet and shy, relying heavily on subtle signals.

Food/Eating Habits

Hoary foxes are omnivores but have one of the most insect‑heavy diets of any fox species. They eat:

• Termites (a major food source)

• Beetles

• Other insects

• Small rodents

• Birds and eggs

• Fruits and berries

• Reptiles (occasionally)

Their reliance on termites makes them ecologically important in the Cerrado.

Sleep Habits

Hoary foxes are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular. They rest in:

• Burrows

• Tall grasses

• Shaded vegetation

• Dens taken over from other animals

They often change resting sites depending on season and food availability.

Social Structure

Hoary foxes are believed to be monogamous. A typical social group includes:

• A mated pair

• Their pups

They maintain territories but are not highly aggressive. Both parents help raise the young, and males often bring food to the female and pups.