Gray fox; photo by J.N. Stewart on Flickr (noncommercial use permitted with attribution / no derivative works).
Official State Wildlife Animal of Delaware
Delaware designated the grey fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) as the official state wildlife animal in 2010 (also spelled gray fox) in recognition of Delaware’s wildlife heritage and commitment to environmental protection and species preservation. All State Mammals
The fourth grade students at Joseph M. McVey Elementary School suggested that the grey fox be designated as Delaware's official state wildlife animal (part of teacher Paul Sedacca's lessons on persuasive writing). The grey fox is the only member of the canid family (canines) which is able to climb trees (the grey fox can also run up to 28 miles per hour!).
Act to Designate Grey Fox as a Symbol of Delaware
CHAPTER 286 (FORMERLY HOUSE BILL NO. 354);
AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 29 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO THE DESIGNATION OF A STATE WILDLIFE ANIMAL.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:
WHEREAS, many states have designated a state wildlife animal in symbolic recognition of their state’s natural heritage; and
WHEREAS, despite the rich diversity of Delaware’s animal species, Delaware is one of only four states which has not designated a state wildlife animal; and
WHEREAS, fourth grade students at Joseph M. McVey Elementary School, as part of teacher Paul Sedacca’s lessons on creative writing, have suggested that the grey fox be designated as Delaware’s official state wildlife animal, and have written letters to their legislators supporting this designation; and
WHEREAS, the grey fox is a unique and primitive species, believed to be between 7 and 10 million years old, which is indigenous to Delaware; and
WHEREAS, the grey fox is a swift and powerful animal capable of running up to 28 miles per hours and the only member of the canid family which is able to climb trees; and
WHEREAS, because the grey fox does not hibernate, in the words of the McVey students, it is "always ready like our soldiers at Dover Air Force Base;" and
WHEREAS, the General Assembly believes it is appropriate to designate the grey fox as Delaware’s state wildlife animal in recognition of Delaware’s wildlife heritage and commitment to environmental protection and species preservation.
NOW, THEREFORE:
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:
Section 1. Amend Chapter 3, Title 29 of the Delaware Code by adding a new "§322" thereto as follows:
"§322. State Wildlife Animal.
The grey fox is the official wildlife animal of the State.
Approved June 10, 2010
