Effects of mate loss on gray fox behavior are poorly understood. We examined space use and gross movements of mated gray foxes following loss of their respective mates in central Mississippi during 1994–1997. We monitored 9 mated pairs of gray foxes and documented 4 instances of mate loss. Of 2 instances where the remaining pair member was a male, 1 male substantially (by 500%) increased his space use and movements following loss of the female. The other male reduced (by 58%) his space use around the den site where kits were confirmed as being present. Of 2 instances where the remaining pair member was a female, 1 female reduced her space use (by 33%) around a den site before leaving the study area 10 d later. The other female increased her space use (by 42%), but maintained an area that overlapped the spaces maintained formerly by herself and her mate. Our findings suggest that gray fox distribution is potentially affected by loss of mates, but that both genders will maintain areas used previously by the pair. Furthermore, our findings offer evidence that male gray foxes contribute to parental care responsibilities and may maintain dens with postweaned kits following loss of a mate.
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1 April 2002
Movements and Space Use of Gray Foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) Following Mate Loss
MICHAEL J. CHAMBERLAIN,
BRUCE D. LEOPOLD
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The American Midland Naturalist
Vol. 147 • No. 2
April 2002
Vol. 147 • No. 2
April 2002