Foxes In Our Area

There have been several reports of seeing foxes in our area. 

Foxes are found in suburban and rural areas alike.  They are the natural habitats of our area, such as the deer, possums, raccoons, skunks, etc.

Several areas of our community are finding foxes living amongst us.  Due to new housing and manufacturing development, their natural habitats are being either destroyed or have been comprised.  Their dens have been destroyed and they must go in search for new areas.  Lower Southampton Township residents have discovered foxes breeding and temporarily living under their decks, sheds or on the grounds.  If Lower Southampton Township continues to grow, it will push out wildlife and into our surrounding neighborhoods.

Red or grey foxes have long bodies, relatively short legs, pointed noses, bushy tails (there has been a new breed spotted in Pennsylvania, that has a long skinny tail), and large pointed ears. Foxes average three to four feet long, including the tail, and weigh 7 to 13 pounds.  They have acute senses of smell, sight, and hearing. Foxes are omnivorous, eating small mammals (mice, rats), insects, fruits, birds, eggs and carrion. They will not harm a domestic adult cat or small dog. They are usually timid, elusive and primarily nocturnal. But due to human overpopulation infringing on their territory, they have learned to adapt to live amongst us.

Their territories can vary from 100 to 2,000 acres, depending on habitat quality, food availability, population density, and competition with other species. Foxes that live in our natural state forests can live to be six to eight years old, but those who live amongst us have a short life span within the first year due to starvation, auto accidents, predation, dogs and human infringement.

Foxes' primary enemies are large predators, including eagles, large owls, dogs and humans. They will not attack a human but will fight to protect their young. They will also attack when backed into a corner and will retaliate to find an escape from human interference/approach. Their defenses include elusiveness. When threatened, foxes will climb trees and/or burrow under sheds and wood piles.

Because of their dwindling natural habitat in our area, foxes have adapted to living more closely with people. Foxes in the wild normally do not kill more than they need to eat. Foxes perform a valuable service to humans by controlling the small rodent (mice, gophers, moles, rats) population, so they should be viewed by humans as an ally. Usually this benefit far outweighs the occasional damage they may cause.

Foxes with families are only temporary visitors. Once the young are weaned (about 3 months), the parents will relocate their family.  PLEASE BE PATIENT – THE FOXES WILL MOVE ON!!!

Foxes can sometimes be nuisances. Young foxes, just out on their own for the first time, enjoy digging in flowerbeds, marking their new found territories and playing together in your backyard.

Here are some helpful tips

1. Do not feed the fox. They can easily become dependent on human food sources.  IF they have no food source, they will leave your area!

2. Never leave pet food outside!!!

3. Never discard edible garbage where fox can get to it.

4. Secure garbage containers and eliminate their odors. Use a small amount of ammonia or cayenne pepper in the garbage to discourage scavenging.

5. Restrict use of birdseed. Fox are attracted to it and to the birds and rodents that use the feeder.

6. Foxes den only during breeding season. Be patient and allow them to remain; the parents and young will abandon the den by the time the young are three months old. If you cannot wait, any kind of disturbance, such as loud noises and human scent, will likely cause the vixen to move to another den. Once she is aware of the danger, allow her the opportunity to move her young without threat of harm.

7. Make sure all your enclosures, garages, sheds are well protected. Use heavy- gauge mesh wire to cover up holes in the structures to keep out most potential predators.

8. Install small gauge wire fencing around the perimeters of decks. Spray an ammonia/water solution under the deck; strategically place mothballs around the area.

9. Trapping is not a good idea. Wildlife trapping can only be done legally by a licensed trapper by the State.   Foxes mate for life, and it is almost a certainty that only one of the mated pair will be caught. Foxes are also territorial; if you trap and remove, other foxes might move into the area. You also may be trapping the mother fox, leaving the young behind to perish.

10. Pick that fruit as soon as it ripens.

11. Battery operated flashing lights, tape recorded human noises, scattered moth balls and ammonia-soaked rags strategically placed may deter foxes from entering your yard.

12. Clear brush piles from your property.

13. Burying wire or cement blocks around the bottom of a fence will discourage digging.

Remember to…

Secure your garbage! Foxes will raid open trash materials and compost piles. Secure your garbage in tough steel or aluminum containers with tight fitting lids and keep in secure buildings when possible. Take out trash the morning pick up is scheduled, not the previous night. Keep compost piles in containers designed to contain but vent the material.

Don't feed or try to pet foxes! Keep wild things wild! Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause foxes to act tame and over time may lead to bold behavior. Foxes that rely on natural food items remain wild and wary of humans.

Keep bird feeder areas clean! Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground as the seed attracts many small mammals foxes prey upon. Remove feeders if foxes are regularly seen around your yard.

Feed pets indoors! Outdoor feeding attracts many wild animals to your door!

Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds! Foxes use such areas for resting and raising young.

Cut back brushy edges in your yard! These areas provide cover for foxes and their prey. Keep your yard clean and litter free!

And please educate your neighbors! Pass this information along since your efforts will be futile if neighbors are providing food or shelter for foxes.

Any further questions or concerns, you may contact your Lower Southampton Animal Control Advisory Board at 215-357-7300 or visit their website at www.lsacab.org

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