Foxes are present in Los Angeles, an urban environment where wildlife adapts to human populations.
Fox Species in Los Angeles
Two primary fox species inhabit the Los Angeles area: the native Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) and the non-native Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). The Gray Fox is easily identified by its silvery-gray coat, often with patches of yellow, brown, rust, or white, and a distinctive black-tipped bushy tail. Unlike most other canids, Gray Foxes possess unique hooked claws and inwardly articulating forelegs, making them skilled tree climbers, an adaptation that helps them forage and evade predators like coyotes. They are generally shy, mostly active at dawn, dusk, or night, and their diet is omnivorous, including rodents, birds, insects, and various berries.
The Red Fox, with its longer snout and bushy tail, is not native to California. These foxes were brought to the Orange County area in the early 1900s for hunting and fur farming. Escapes and deliberate releases from these farms led to their establishment in the wild, and they have since thrived due to their adaptability and broad diet. The Red Fox population boomed in Southern California during the 1980s and 1990s, negatively impacting native species, particularly ground-nesting birds.
Urban Habitats and Sightings
Within Los Angeles, foxes occupy diverse environments, ranging from natural areas such as canyons, hillsides, and parks to increasingly suburban and even urban neighborhoods. Their presence in these developed areas is often linked to readily available food sources, including discarded waste and small prey that thrive in urban settings. Urban areas also offer milder microclimates and fewer natural predators for red foxes, though coyotes are known to prey on them.
Foxes utilize various urban structures for shelter and movement, using flood control channels, freeway underpasses, and railway corridors to navigate the urban landscape. Dens may be established in culverts, golf courses, parks, or even alongside busy freeways. Gray Foxes may also den in hollow trees, under boulders, or in hollow logs. Both species are most active around dawn, dusk, and throughout the night.
Living Alongside Urban Foxes
Coexisting with urban foxes requires understanding their behavior and taking preventative measures. Foxes are generally shy, but can become accustomed to human presence if they associate people with food. While typically not dangerous to humans, they can pose a threat to small pets and ground-nesting birds.
To prevent attracting foxes, secure all trash in animal-proof containers with tightly sealed lids. Washing out jars and containers before disposal reduces attractiveness. Do not leave pet food outdoors, and promptly remove any fallen fruit in yards. For small pets, ensure enclosures are secure with heavy-gauge mesh wire and fences extend below ground to prevent digging.
Deterrents can discourage foxes from entering properties. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can startle them. Scent-based repellents, such as ammonia-soaked rags, cayenne pepper, garlic, or citrus peels, can be placed where foxes are seen. If a fox is sighted, observe from a distance and avoid approaching or feeding it. In rare instances of visibly sick, injured, or aggressive fox behavior, contact local animal control authorities.