The Virginia Gray Fox Project collects trail-cam photos for wildlife research

Organizations throughout Virginia have contributed thousands of photos to the Virginia Gray Fox Project, and we picked our top 10 trail-cam moments.

A gray fox photographed on a trail camera, mid-walk through leaves in a wooded area. — VGFP aims to survey the suspected population decline of gray foxes, a native species to Virginia.

Adorable animal pictures incoming — all thanks to the Virginia Gray Fox Project (VGFP).

About the project

In 2024, Virginia Tech and the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources began surveying the distribution of the elusive gray fox using hundreds of trail cameras across the state.

This shows the total land coverage achieved by the end of the 2024 season.

This past July, Henrico and Chesterfield parks departments joined the search, contributing 5,600+ wildlife photos over the course of four season-shifting months. Wandering does, turkeys, blue jays, and opossums caught the camera’s eye.

Given the project’s namesake, you might be wondering, have there been any trail photos of gray foxes? Yes, quite a few, but primarily in Pulaski, Montgomery, Roanoke, Franklin, Bedford, and Floyd counties, according to VT News.

Two deer photographed from a trail camera, facing in the direction of each other; the deer are in a wooded area; the smaller deer on the left has one spots; the bigger deer on the right has no noticeable spots. — This moment between a doe and fawn was taken in Goyne Park, Chesterfield County.

Next steps + how to support

The VGFP now prepares to enter its final field season in the summer of 2026, rounding out the state-wide search in Southeastern Piedmont and the Coastal Plain (both expanding outward of the Richmond area). Virginia Tech launched a fundraiser to support costs for equipment, field experiences, and researcher labor.

Folks within survey range can also apply to participate by filling out an online form. Participants can contribute their own trail camera footage or request trail camera installation.

Our top 10 trail-cam pics

For a little added fun, we searched through the VGFP’s posts to find 10 of our favorite trail-cam captures so far, sourced from parks, residents, and researchers from across the state. Sure, these photos may not all make it into National Geographic, but we make the rules here. Behold, our top 10: