Foxes are a ubiquitous and thriving presence within London, firmly established as part of the city’s unique urban ecosystem. The species found here is the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), which has demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to the dense human population and built environment. Their resilience and opportunistic nature have made the urban fox a quintessential fixture of the London landscape, leading to frequent encounters with residents across all boroughs. This article explores the scale of their presence, their specific behaviors in the urban setting, and how Londoners can best manage interactions with these wild neighbors.
How Many Foxes Call London Home
The establishment of the red fox in London began following rapid urban expansion after World War II, as development encroached on their natural habitats. Rather than retreating, the foxes adapted to the new environment, finding both shelter and food sources within the growing city limits. The lack of natural predators and the consistent, abundant supply of human-associated food created an ideal habitat for them to flourish.
Estimates suggest London is home to a substantial fox population, with figures often cited between 10,000 and 15,000 individuals. This population is not evenly distributed, leading to some of the highest fox densities recorded globally in certain areas of the capital. Studies have found densities reaching up to 18 foxes per square kilometer in some London locales, a number significantly higher than in rural habitats.
Urban foxes establish their dens, known as earths, in various sheltered locations across the city. They frequently choose sites that offer seclusion and protection from disturbance, such as beneath garden sheds, under decking, or along overgrown railway embankments. London’s numerous parks, large gardens, and green spaces provide them with territories for foraging.
The Daily Life of the Urban Fox
The behavior of London’s foxes is distinctly shaped by their proximity to human activity, contrasting sharply with their rural cousins. Urban foxes are primarily nocturnal, becoming most active from dusk until dawn when the streets are quieter. Their social structure involves family groups that defend territories, which are often smaller in the city due to the higher concentration of resources.
Their diet is a key indicator of their urban adaptation, relying heavily on scavenging rather than hunting. In London, a significant portion of the fox diet is directly or indirectly linked to human activity. Studies suggest that human-derived food sources, including pet food and discarded waste, account for about 35% of their intake. Conversely, the diet of rural foxes is composed of only about six percent human-derived food, focusing more on small mammals, birds, and invertebrates.
Despite this reliance on scavenging, the urban fox remains an omnivore, supplementing its diet by hunting small prey like rodents, birds, and earthworms, especially in less developed areas. Common signs of their presence include distinctive, pungent scats (faeces) left in visible locations to mark territory. Their vocalizations range from a short bark to the loud, unsettling scream often heard during the breeding season.
Safe Coexistence and Deterrence
Concerns about urban foxes often revolve around disease transmission, but the United Kingdom has been free of indigenous rabies since the early 20th century. While foxes can carry other parasites, the risk of disease transmission to humans is considered very low. Aggression towards people is also extremely rare, as foxes generally prefer to avoid direct contact, though their boldness has increased due to habituation.
Effective management of fox presence focuses on humane deterrence by making properties less appealing to them. The most crucial step is eliminating accessible food sources by ensuring all rubbish bins have tightly secured lids and that pet food is never left outside overnight. Removing these easy meals discourages them from visiting residential gardens consistently.
To prevent them from establishing dens, residents can block potential access points under sheds, porches, and decking with sturdy wire mesh or boarding. This exclusion is especially important before the spring denning season to prevent trapping a vixen and her cubs, which is illegal and inhumane. Using motion-activated sprinklers or lights can also provide a temporary deterrent, as the unexpected stimuli can startle the nocturnal animals away.