Foxes In Morristown? Animal Control Shares Safety Tips

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Living in a quiet suburb it can be easy to forget, but we share our neighborhoods with plenty of wildlife. Some critters blend into the background (like squirrels or rabbits), while others, like foxes, tend to raise alarm bells.

Foxes are native to New Jersey, and tend to not cause issues unless they are rabid. Healthy foxes “pose virtually no danger to humans,” according to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Morristown Animal Control is answering resident's questions, and sharing safety tips on how to handle a fox encounter. Here are some questions and answers, and written by animal control officials:

I live in a crowded suburb, why is there a fox in my yard?

Foxes are very adaptive and can live in close association with human residences and communities. It is common to see them in yards and parks. Healthy foxes pose virtually no danger to humans. Foxes can become accustomed to humans but are seldom aggressive. If fight or flight are the options, a fox will choose flight. Fox sightings are no cause for concern.

Will a fox attack my dog?

Foxes will avoid hunting dogs or cats as they can be formidable opponents and it isn't worth the risk. Don't like mice or squirrels? Foxes prey on them, as well as rabbits, and even insects or frogs. However, as a general rule, pets should never be left outside unattended.

Why can't Animal Control remove them from my property?

Removing healthy foxes or wildlife is not warranted based solely on human safety concerns. IF you are uncomfortable with the sighting of foxes, you can make your lawn unattractive to them. Don't leave pet food out, and secure all your trash cans.Installing a motion detective sprinkler could be effective in scaring off wildlife. Most effective would be to fence in your property.

I think a fox is acting strange. What should I do?

If you see a fox that appears sick, please contact your local Animal Control. Symptoms can include unprovoked aggression, impaired movement, paralysis or lack of coordination, unusually friendly behavior or disorientation.

I hear a shrieking scream in the distance that sounds like a human in distress. What is that?

Foxes often scream while in the process of mating. They also scream as a means of asserting themselves in the face of competitors.

While wild animal sightings are not unusual in Morris County, it's important to know how to handle them. Questions about animal safety an be directed to Animal Control, at 973-292-6731.

Read more about wildlife in Morris County:

• Bear Fatally Attacks Llama in Morris County
• Bobcat Traps Family Inside Their Bathroom
• Possibly Rabid Bobcat Attacked Dog
• Coyote Spotted In East Hanover Neighborhood
• Coyote In Morris County Attack Was Rabid, Police Share Safety Tips
• Rabid Fox Bites Glen Ridge Woman Trying To Protect Children

Image via jans canon, Flickr