The Red Fox (
Vulpes vulpes) is growing into one of the most successful urban creatures in the UK.
It is reddish brown, has large erect ears and a long brush tail.
Foxes are
not classed as pests in the urban environment and as such Leicester City Council does not take any action to treat for foxes.
Foxes inhabit the external environment and will not infest our homes like rats and mice do. This means that humans are unlikely to come into close enough contact with a fox to catch any diseases from them. This means that foxes do not pose any health risk to humans in their natural habitat.
Foxes may present themselves as a nuisance however, as they scavenge in dustbins and may make noises during the night similar to babies screaming.
Discouraging Foxes from your garden
Most people enjoy having foxes in the neighbourhood and do not wish to have them controlled. However, some people are genuinely distressed by having foxes in their gardens and there are a few methods that can be employed to discourage them from the garden:
- Foxes dislike strong smells like diesel oil, and rags soaked in this hung strategically where the foxes enter will keep the foxes away.
- Secure all rubbish in a tight, sealed bin.
- Refrain from feeding birds, unless the food is placed on a 'fox proof' bird table.
- Fix holes in fences and attach wire mesh across gaps where foxes enter the garden.
Are Pets at Risk?
Foxes eat a large range of foods and is best described as an
'opportunist' feeder as it's choice of food is governed by the ease at
which it may be obtained.
The fox is an effective predator and will take small
mammals and birds, but will also feed on insects and earthworms. Food
is also scavenged from dustbins, bird tables and compost heaps.
Foxes also eat 'carrion' (dead animals), which may
account for the small amount of 'pet' in the fox diet as they may eat
cats and dogs knocked over by cars.
Foxes and cats are night foragers and come across
each other frequently. They tend to ignore each other when they meet,
with foxes tending to be quite nervous of the cat.
Dogs are at a lesser risk as they are larger than cats, and the dog may even prey on the fox!
Rabbits, guinea pigs and poultry are at risk if
insecurely housed. Robust accommodation is recommended for these
creatures if kept outside.
Where violent entry to cages is found, dogs are more likely to be the culprits.
