Urban foxes, friends or foes?

We all know that we share our city with many urban foxes but can we consider them friends or foes? It is estimated that there is one fox for every 150 people living in London; they share our gardens, parks and streets and although they are predominantly nocturnal it isn’t uncommon to see them out and about during the day. Records of urban fox populations in London go back to the 1930s but Londoners can have mixed feelings towards them, many enjoy watching them play in their gardens whereas others may go to great lengths to try and deter them.

Could they be the unofficial caretakers of our city?

Unlike their country counterparts whose diet is made up of 95% meat, household refuse makes up around 50% of an urban fox’s diet. Their excellent digestive system means they are unlikely to become ill from eating rotting food; whilst this helps to keep our streets a little cleaner this may not be so good for residents whose bins get raided! Foxes are extremely clever and adaptable, so it is recommended to always keep your outside bins sealed to prevent them being accessed for example by using bungee straps.

Foxes are also skilled at hunting rats and mice which helps to reduce numbers within the city, further preventing the spread of diseases. They also promote natural regeneration of native flora as they help with seed dispersal by eating both plants and fruits. Urban fox populations are self-regulating as they are limited by available space and food, unlike rodents this means their numbers won’t become problematic or unmanageable in cities.

Are they a threat to our pets?

The other 50% of an urban fox’s diet is made up of meat, whilst this is predominantly made up of rats, mice and birds they have been known to kill rabbits, guinea pigs, cats and even small dogs. It is therefore very important not to leave your small pets unattended in your garden, and to keep them safe at night. Please be aware that chicken wire is not an adequate deterrent for foxes. The risks to our pets are higher in the spring as this is when foxes have their cubs, this means they are out looking for more food in order to produce an adequate supply of milk for their babies and then enough meat to feed them as they grow.

Studies have shown that the rate of conflict between outdoor cats and foxes is relatively low, usually, given adequate space they will avoid each other. Problems are most likely to arise when the animals find themselves without an easy escape route, in this case the cat or the fox may attack the other in self-defence.

Foxes can suffer from sarcoptic mange which is caused by a parasitic mite (Sarcoptic scabei canis) although it is only fatal in extreme cases it is very contagious between foxes and dogs. It is important to seek veterinary treatment if your dog is showing signs of mange. Foxes can also carry toxoplasmosis which can pose risks to people, especially if you are pregnant, however, it is much more common to contract toxoplasmosis through cat faeces which is why it is advised that pregnant women should avoid changing litter trays.

How can I keep foxes out of my garden?

Unfortunately, there is no simple answer, foxes are territorial and living in urban environments promotes high competition; this means if a family of foxes is moved out of an area a new family will move into this vacant territory within a few days. You can protect fruit and vegetable crops with solid weld-mesh and clear away fallen fruit from trees and bushes. Garden fertilisers that contain fish, meat or bone may encourage foxes to dig in the garden looking for buried food, however using plant-based fertilisers eliminates this risk. Clear areas of long grass or weeds as they provide sheltered areas for foxes to rest during the day.

There are many fox repellents on the market but as they have mixed reviews it’s best to do some research before trying them. It is vitally important to stick to humane methods and avoid poisons at all costs as these can be extremely dangerous to people and other animals who may come into contact with the toxins.

How can I care for foxes?

Many people choose to provide food and shelter for foxes; whilst this is a lovely thing to do there are a couple of things to bear in mind. It is best not to leave large quantities of food out all the time as this may result in foxes becoming overly reliant on this food source, leaving small amounts such as a couple of eggs every so often would be plenty. The RSPCA suggests always being cautious around foxes and never try to hand-feed or tame them. Foxes like to make their dens, also called ‘earths’ in quiet sheltered places such as under decking or sheds; if a fox has chosen your garden to make their den try not to disturb the den and always check before starting building work in your garden.

If you find a fox that appears to be ill or injured do not try and catch it, instead call the RSPCA who can come and safely remove it.