Living With Fox Neighbors

Are Foxes Unsafe to Have Around My Home?

Foxes are opportunistic feeders and will enter residential areas in search of food. However, humans are at very low risk of being attacked or bitten by a fox as they only prey on small, easy animals like rodents. Pets smaller than an adult cat (about the size of a Red Fox) should be monitored when outside to avoid adverse conflicts with foxes. Foxes will do their best to avoid humans since we are more of a threat to them than they are to us. But like any animal, they will tolerate human presence for an attractive food source. Foxes should not be fed since it can cause them to lose their natural and life-saving fear of humans. 

Is It Normal To See a Fox During Daylight?

Foxes typically forage during the night, but that does not mean it’s unusual to see them out during daylight hours. This is especially true during winter months when food is more scarce. Foxes are also curious animals, so they can hang around in residential areas during the day.

There is no one symptom used to determine if a wild animal has rabies. Mammals acting abnormally friendly or aggressive is a red flag.  The animal may also have difficulty walking and swallowing (foaming at the mouth) due to paralysis. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator for more advice as there are several types of diseases that may cause similar symptoms. Never approach a potentially rabid animal!

How Can I Prevent Foxes From Entering My Chicken Coop?

Any sort of supplemental feeding is bound to attract wildlife, and chickens and their eggs are no different. Chicken coops must be wildlife proofed. Any part of the coop that is not enclosed by wood should be reinforced with wildlife-proof mesh. This mesh will also need to extend underground in an “L” shape since foxes are excellent diggers. Chicken wire is good but not wildlife proof on its own.

If a Fox Has Mange, Can It Transmit to Me or My Pets?

Sarcoptic mange is caused by a parasite that tends to be species specific. Humans are very unlikely to contract the parasite, and the parasites do not live very long without a host. Outdoor pets are also unlikely to contract the parasite, unless they’re sharing a sleeping location with the infected fox. 

What Should I Do if a Fox Has a Den Under My House or Porch?

Foxes are naturally very afraid of humans, so it’s rare for them to create dens under human-made structures. The best thing to do is to tolerate the family and enjoy their rarely seen antics until the young have grown and dispersed. Keep kids and pets away from the den to avoid disturbances. Once the family has left the den, you can close it off to prevent future use. 

If it’s not possible to leave the family alone, you can use some techniques to make the mother relocate her young. Placing items that smell like humans (like sweaty items of clothing) can deter a fox family. However, deterrence should always be a last resort when the den is occupied with fox kits. Relocating their young is a highly stressful situation and can result in a parent leaving behind one or all of her young.