Fox are cunning canines with their bushy tails and inquisitive eyes, are found in abundance across the United States. These adaptable creatures inhabit a wide range of habitats, from forests and grasslands to suburban neighborhoods. While they are active throughout the year, foxes tend to be more visible during the cooler months when their prey is more active.

As opportunistic carnivores, foxes have a diverse diet that includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and fruits. Their intelligence and hunting skills make them formidable predators. An interesting fact about foxes is their ability to mimic the calls of other animals, allowing them to both call in prey and ward off predators. Foxes play an important role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. As predators, they help to control populations of rodents and other small mammals. Additionally, they are prey for larger predators, such as coyotes and owls.

Signs of Foxes on Your Property

If you suspect foxes are visiting your property, look for these clues:

Digging: Foxes often dig shallow holes to bury food or create dens.
Footprints: Check for small, pointed tracks in soft soil.
Scent Markers: Foxes mark their territory with urine and feces.
Kill Sites: Remains of small animals may be found in a fox’s hunting area.
Dens: Foxes may create dens in burrows, under sheds, or in dense vegetation.

Fox Breeding Season

Foxes typically breed in late winter or early spring. After a gestation period of about 50 days, a litter of 3-6 cubs is born. No rest for the parents, the cubs are born blind and helpless and rely on their parents for care. These young foxes look to their mom (vixen) and dad (dog) to care for and feed them then teach them the world and skills like hunting. This process of growing up and parenting happens for up to seven months as the young fox grows and matures. Over the months, you can watch the young foxes learning how to hunt, play, and gain confidence in the world around them.

Making Your Home Less Inviting to Foxes

While foxes can be fascinating to observe, they can also cause problems on residential properties. Often times the problem starts with the pets on the property as foxes size up the dogs and cats as competitors for resources (or in some cases, curious playmates). Either way, a relationship with a fox and a domestic pet can be a tense one. But over longer periods of times, foxes can establish den sites on your property and leave their waste and leftovers attracting secondary predators and scavengers. Here are some tips to deter foxes:

Secure Your Trash: Invest in heavy-duty trash cans with tight-fitting lids and store them in a secure garage or shed.
Remove Food Sources: Avoid leaving pet food, birdseed, or fruit outdoors.
Seal Entry Points: Inspect your home for potential entry points and seal any gaps or holes.
Repellents: Commercial fox repellents can be effective, but their results may vary.
Habitat Modification: Trim back bushes and tall grasses near your home to reduce hiding places.
Scare Tactics: Motion-activated sprinklers or loud noises can deter foxes.

Foxy Finish

When a fox is encountered, it is important to approach with caution. While they are generally shy animals, they can become aggressive if they feel threatened or cornered. Additionally, foxes are opportunistic so even if you feel safe around the fox, don’t turn your back on them as they may see that as an invitation to be a little more aggressive. If you are commonly seeing foxes around your home, preventative measures may be warranted. Understanding fox behavior, you can minimize conflicts and enjoy the natural beauty of these wild creatures. Fortunately, Prickly Pear has a deep understanding of wildlife like foxes and is available to help out if you find yourself dealing with a fox-y situation of your own.