Celebrating World Wildlife Day with New Jersey’s Red Fox

February 25, 2026| Environment

By: Patrick Krudop

In celebration of World Wildlife Day, which takes place on March 3 each year, we asked our community on social media which species they most wanted to see highlighted, and by a landslide, the Red Fox took the top spot. It is easy to see why. Over the course of this winter, many of us have been lucky enough to spot them more frequently, their russet coats standing out brilliantly against fresh snow. Despite the steady stream of sightings, this apparent increase is not necessarily due to a growing fox population. In fact, red foxes generally maintain a stable population both nationally and here in New Jersey. Winter’s quieter landscapes and reduced vegetation simply make them easier to observe, offering a rare and special glimpse into the lives of these adaptable mammals.

In New Jersey, red foxes thrive in a remarkable range of habitats. From rural farmland and forest edges (which are abundant across the state!) to suburban neighborhoods and even coastal marshes, they are highly comfortable living alongside people. Their success lies in their flexibility. As opportunistic feeders, they consume small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and carrion. During winter, when food can be more difficult to access, they may expand their range slightly and rely heavily on their exceptional hearing to detect movement beneath the snow. Many residents have likely witnessed this behavior firsthand, a fox standing motionless with its head tilted in concentration before launching into a precise and dramatic pounce (for more info on this behavior, see our Creature Feature here!).

These photos, as well as the cover photo, were taken in by Ulla Vinkman on Lake Hopatcong.

New Jersey’s patchwork of preserved open space, agricultural land, and residential development creates ideal edge habitat, which foxes favor for both hunting and denning. In late winter, they begin preparing for the breeding season. By early spring, dens, which are often dug into sandy soils or embankments, or repurposed from other animals, may soon shelter new litters. Increased winter movement can sometimes signal this seasonal transition, as adults patrol territories and establish safe spaces for raising young.

Seeing more red foxes this winter serves as a reminder not only of their resilience, but also of the importance of maintaining healthy and connected habitats throughout New Jersey. Adaptable as they are, foxes still depend on balanced ecosystems with abundant prey and reliable cover. Whether glimpsed darting across a snowy field, meandering our frozen Lake Hopatcong, or trotting quietly down a wooded trail, the red fox remains one of our state’s most captivating wild neighbors and clearly one of its most beloved.

To learn more about the beauty and benefits of wildlife, visit the World Wildlife Fund.