Fox scat, or droppings, offers a useful way to confirm the presence of these elusive animals in an area. By observing their scat, it is possible to gain insights into a fox’s diet and habits, even if the animal itself remains out of sight. Understanding the characteristics of fox scat can also help differentiate it from the droppings of other common wildlife. This identification process provides valuable information for those interested in local ecosystems.
Identifying Fox Scat
Fox scat typically appears cylindrical and often has distinct pointed or tapered ends. These droppings usually measure about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 cm) in length and 0.5 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm) in diameter. The shape can be twisted.
The color of fox scat varies depending on the animal’s diet, ranging from light tan to dark brown. In rural settings, where foxes primarily consume small mammals and birds, scat often appears darker. However, in urban environments, where their diet might include more human food waste, droppings can be lighter in color.
Fox scat frequently contains undigested remnants of their meals, such as fur, feathers, small bones, insect parts, or seeds and berries. This fibrous consistency is a common indicator. Fresh fox droppings possess a distinctive musky or “foxy” odor. Foxes often deposit scat in prominent locations, such as on rocks, logs, or in the middle of paths, to mark their territory.
Distinguishing From Other Animals
Differentiating fox scat from other animals involves observing size, shape, contents, and placement. Coyote droppings, while similar in tubular shape and tapered ends, are generally larger than fox scat, typically measuring 3 to 4 inches long and 0.75 to 1 inch in diameter. Coyotes also frequently leave their scat in highly visible, prominent spots as a form of communication.
Fox droppings are usually more slender, often twisted, and have pointy ends, differing from the typically smoother, blunter, and more cylindrical shape of domestic dog feces. Fox scat frequently contains visible undigested materials like fur, bones, or seeds, which are less common in the uniform appearance of domestic dog waste. Cat droppings, whether from domestic cats or bobcats, are often segmented with blunt ends. Felines tend to bury their waste in loose soil, while foxes, in contrast, usually leave their droppings exposed.
Badger droppings are distinct, often deposited in shallow pits known as latrines. Their scat varies in consistency from firm and sausage-shaped to softer, and its color might be purple if they have consumed berries. Rabbit droppings are small, round, hard pellets, 0.25 to 0.375 inches in diameter, often found in scattered clusters and composed largely of plant matter. Deer scat also consists of small, oval, pellet-like droppings, dark in color and 0.5 to 0.625 inches in diameter, often with one pointed end.
Safe Handling and Removal
Handle fox scat with care due to potential health considerations. It can contain parasites like tapeworms and roundworms, including Toxocara canis, which can contaminate surrounding soil. Infections in humans, known as toxocariasis, can occur if worm eggs are ingested.
To safely remove fox scat, always wear protective gloves to prevent direct skin contact. Also wear a face mask or respirator to avoid inhaling airborne particles. Do not sweep or vacuum droppings, as this can disperse harmful dust.
Instead, spray the scat with a disinfectant solution. Use paper towels to pick up the waste. Double-bag the collected scat and paper towels in plastic bags, seal them tightly, and dispose of them in a covered trash can. After disposal, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water, and disinfect any tools or gloves used during cleanup.