Foxes

The red fox is now a common sight throughout the District. It is regularly seen in town gardens, the forest and country areas. Foxes often shelter in burrows, known as 'earths' or 'dens' which they dig themselves or make by enlarging rabbit holes.

In urban areas their favourite places are often under garden sheds or greenhouses. Foxes are opportunist feeders and whilst their diet will include scavenged food, they mainly eat earthworms, rats, mice, insects and sometimes fruit.

Foxes will kill pet rabbits and guinea pigs if they can reach them so care must be taken to secure outdoor hutches so they can not be opened by a fox. Foxes do not usually attack cats and are generally frightened of them

Nervous and flighty animals, foxes are normally fearful of people although there may be occasions when they appear quite bold and do not run off immediately when approached. Making a loud, sudden noise will usually disturb them.

If a fox becomes a nuisance, the garden use of repellents available from most pet shops, garden centres and DIY stores will help keep foxes out. You must not, however, use repellents when new-born fox cubs are present (normally March-May), when you should seek further advice from the Animal Welfare Service.

Download a copy of our Fox leaflet (PDF 262 KB)

Further advice can be obtained from the Fox Project on 01892 826222