Although there are some in society who think it’s fun to kill or chase foxes, in reality they are not vermin or pests. They are a good part of nature, because their main diet is rats and rabbits (sad, but it’s nature). They only venture through people’s dustbins, when their natural habitat is disappearing. And like dogs, they are natural scavengers, so will go for the free easy pickings, if they are around.
It is now illegal to hunt foxes, although some people in government wish for the law to be reversed. There are many charities helping to ensure this does not happen, and if you see any illegal hunting, you can report it to Animal Crimewatch, National Wildlife Crime Unit or Crimestoppers (anonymous). League Against Cruel Sports has information on the fox hunting ban (it’s still legal to hunt foxes in Northern Ireland).
Humane Fox Deterrence
- The Fox Project (South East) is a rescue project that also runs a humane deterrence agency. The site has lots of free info, volunteer opps and books on humane fox deterrence.
- Fox-a-gon is another nationwide humane deterrence service. Again the site has lots of free advice, and you can use their services for more help (more effective/less costly than pest control).
- WeirBags make gull-proof sacks that have a Velcro strap to keep the contents secure from seagulls, but also works for foxes, rats etc. The sacks are emptied into trucks, then returned to you. BigBelly makes public bins for councils that compact waste using a solar panel, and have optional animal latches, to deter gulls, foxes etc from pouring all the bin contents out over the park.
Keeping Hens & Rabbits Safe
Keeping domestic prey safe likely won’t cause a fox to go hungry. One rescuer said he had ‘never seen a starving fox’. They are opportunistic feeders who can hunt live prey, scavenge dead animals and even eat earthworms.
- See adopting ex-battery hens to find links to charities that due to their experience, have lots of info (and phone help) on keeping foxes away from chickens and domestic chickens.
- Rabbit Rehome has tips on keeping bunnies safe from foxes.
- The sites also link to companies selling fox-proof hutches and runs. Be aware that many are not usually big enough to give good space and welfare, so read info before purchase.
- If you ‘leave a gap’ in your fence for ‘hedgehog highways’, don’t make it big enough for a fox to get through (he/she will try to find a way, if smelling a prey animal, so see sites above to help protect hens and rabbits). Hedgehogs travel at night, so you could secure the hole during the day, although most foxes are also nocturnal.
Found an Injured or Orphaned Fox?
- Take to the vet or phone your local wildlife rescue. For mange, order free kits from National Fox Welfare Society.
- National Fox Welfare Society runs a rescue service. It always needs volunteers for rescue, fostering and land for safe release.
- The Fox Website is dedicated to rescuing foxes, and has a good site packed with info on everything from ecology to fox rescue. This site owner appears to have a university degree in foxes!
- Tiggywinkles (the world’s busiest wildlife hospital in Buckinghamshire) also has a fox fact sheet. Useful for wildlife rescue centres & vets too.
- Little Foxes (Oxfordshire) is a sanctuary with 15 years experience of caring for foxes and other wildlife. They need volunteers, and appreciate unused medical supplies or roadworthy vehicles.
Fabulous Books on Foxes
- The Hidden World of the Fox will teach you where the fox is going, and what his world is really like. A flash of his brushy tail, a blaze of orange and the strange barks in the city night. Ecologist Adele Brand describes the fox’s astonishing senses, intelligence and behaviour that have allowed them to thrive in ancient woods and concrete car parks. Learn about cubs and how can we live in peace with foxes.
- Foxes Unearthed looks at both sides of the argument. Award-winning writer Lucy Jones speaks to both hunters and saboteurs, and investigates the real world of the fox, away from media stereotypes.
I’ve always loved foxes but my research into their behaviour gave me a renewed sense of respect and awe at what is such a successful predator and carnivore. Foxes are brilliant. Lucy Jones
