Gray foxes are distinguished from most other canids by their grizzled upperparts, buff neck, and black-tipped tail, while the skull can be distinguished from all other North American canids by its widely separated temporal ridges that form a U-shape. There is little sexual dimorphism, save for the males being slightly larger than females.

The Gray fox\\\'s ability to climb trees is unique among canids. Their strong, hooked claws allow them to scramble up trees to escape predators or to get food. They descend primarily by jumping from branch to branch. Gray foxes are nocturnal and den in hollow trees, stumps, or appropriated burrows during the day.

Gray foxes are monogamous. The breeding season of gray foxes varies geographically. For instance, In Michigan, gray foxes mate in early March, but in Alabama, breeding peaks occur in February. The gestation period lasts about 53 days. Litter sizes range from 1 to 7. Kits begin to hunt with their parents at the age of 3 months. By the time they are 4 months old, the kits have developed their permanent dentition and can forage on their own. The family group remains together until autumn when the young reach sexual maturity and disperse.