Threats to the island grey fox are habitat destruction/competition through the introduction of feral animals, and possible competition on three islands with feral cats Felis catus. There is a potential of disease introductions carried by domestic dogs.
Urocyon littoralis is found only on the six largest channel islands off the coast of southern California, United States. However, a discovery in 1990 indicates that some nearby mainland populations also belong to this species. The island grey fox is found in variable habitats including, grassland, coastal sage/scrub, sand dune communities, and forested areas.
Urocyon littoralis is listed as "Threatened" by the State of California. Urocyon littoralis is considered as "Lower Risk" sub-category "conservation dependent" by the IUCN.