Foxes are often seen as potential threats to humans and pets. While generally shy, these adaptable wild animals can pose specific risks, particularly in residential areas. Understanding their natural behaviors and the actual threats they present is essential for safe coexistence.
Understanding Fox Behavior
Foxes are elusive and wary of human interaction. They are primarily nocturnal, though daytime sightings do not necessarily indicate illness or aggression. These animals often move through urban and suburban environments in search of food, bringing them into proximity with human dwellings. Unprovoked attacks on humans are extremely rare. Foxes prefer to avoid confrontation and usually retreat when they detect human presence, making direct encounters uncommon unless they are habituated to human activity or food sources.
Genuine Threats from Foxes
Foxes can present genuine concerns related to disease transmission, predation on smaller animals, and property damage.
Disease Transmission
Foxes can carry several diseases transmissible to pets or, in rare cases, humans. Rabies is a serious concern, affecting the nervous system. Transmission typically occurs through a bite from an infected animal, and foxes can transmit the virus to humans and domestic animals. Symptoms in rabid foxes may include disorientation, unusual aggression, lack of fear, or excessive drooling.
Sarcoptic mange, caused by microscopic mites, is a common and highly contagious skin disease in foxes, leading to severe hair loss and itching. It can be transmitted to domestic dogs and, occasionally, to humans. Foxes also carry intestinal parasites like roundworms (Toxocara canis), whose eggs can be passed through feces and ingested by pets or humans, leading to toxocariasis.
Predation on Small Animals
Foxes are opportunistic hunters, preying on small mammals, birds, and insects. They pose a threat to small domestic animals such as backyard chickens, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Foxes are capable of finding ways into unsecured coops and hutches. Kittens and very small adult cats (under 5 pounds) are vulnerable to fox attacks, though adult cats are generally capable of defending themselves.
Property Damage
Foxes can cause property damage, particularly in gardens and around waste areas. They may dig holes in lawns, flowerbeds, or vegetable patches while searching for food. Foxes might also gnaw on wooden structures, furniture, or bird feeders. Their scavenging habits often lead them to unsecured garbage bins, scattering rubbish. Foxes also mark their territory with feces, which can be unsightly.
Safe Coexistence with Foxes
Safe coexistence with foxes involves implementing practical deterrence strategies and knowing how to react during encounters. These measures focus on making your property less attractive to foxes and protecting vulnerable pets.
Deterrence Strategies
Securing food sources is a primary step in deterring foxes. Ensure all garbage cans and compost bins are tightly covered and fox-proof. Avoid leaving pet food outdoors, and clean up fallen fruit from trees.
Physical barriers can prevent foxes from accessing certain areas. Fences should be at least 6 feet high, buried 10-12 inches deep with an outward-facing apron to prevent digging underneath, and made of sturdy material like welded mesh rather than chicken wire. Motion-activated lights or sprinklers can startle foxes and discourage them from lingering, though some animals may become accustomed. Strong smells like chili, garlic, or citrus can also deter them, but require regular reapplication.
Protecting Pets and Livestock
Small pets, such as rabbits, guinea pigs, and poultry, should be housed in secure enclosures, especially at night. Coops and hutches should have solid roofs, secure locks, and chew-proof wire. Burying fencing around enclosures or using electric fencing can provide additional protection against digging and climbing. Keeping small pets indoors or closely supervised when outside is recommended.
Encounter Protocol
If a fox is sighted, avoid approaching, feeding, or attempting to pet it. Maintain a safe distance and slowly back away without turning your back or running, which might trigger a chase response. If a fox seems unusually bold or approaches too closely, make yourself appear larger by raising your arms and making loud noises. Throwing an object near the fox, but not at it, can also help scare it away.
When to Contact Authorities
Report a fox to local animal control or wildlife authorities if it exhibits unusual behavior, such as disorientation, staggering, unprovoked aggression, or excessive tameness, as these could be signs of rabies or other illnesses. If livestock or numerous small pets are disappearing, contact a wildlife professional to help identify the predator and implement appropriate management techniques.