There’s a fox in my garden, what should I do?

 

Fox on the shed
Foxes sometimes bask in sunshine, it should move off the same day

Fox under the shed
If the fox looks unwell (in behaviour or appearance) use contacts page for advice.
If it just appears to be resting under the shed (even on multiple occasions) it's not necessarily a cause for concern. Foxes sometimes establish natal dens under sheds to raise cubs.

Very scruffy looking fox comes to my garden Possibly moulting (spring) or could have mange. Try to get a photo of it for confirmation and possible further treatment. See Mange section on Common Conditions page Sick/injured fox in my garden If you can touch it with a broom without it running off it needs to be seen by a vet urgently. If it crawls off slowly it needs to be trapped and seen by a vet. If it runs off when approached, it may be well enough to be treated in situ if necessary.

© National Fox Welfare Society

Danger from fox in my garden
Rural foxes are generally scared of people and will run off or hide if they see you. Urban foxes can be less fearful but are still not a threat to you.

Removing/ deterring foxes
Foxes can travel up to 75miles back ‘home’ if relocated
If a fox visits your garden there is something attracting him to it. Another fox will probably take his place until the attraction is removed.
Foxes can be useful for killing unwanted rodents

Tips to help deter foxes from your garden:
Remove any food that may be attracting the fox e.g. pet food or bird feeders that attract small mammals.
Ensure rubbish bins are covered to avoid scavenging.
Remove potential hiding or sheltering areas e.g. close shed doors, block off any spaces underneath the shed, and cut long grass.
Put up fencing or mesh to prevent access

Foxes and cats
Foxes tend to either ignore cats, move off when they meet, or be scared of them.

Fox cubs in the garden
The peak period for fox cubs is April / May when new litters start to explore the world. It is not uncommon to see month old cubs playing and developing survival skills above ground in the daylight.
It is quite normal for them to wander in or around patches of cover above ground. Parents or close relatives are usually nearby so don't be tempted to 'rescue' them.
Vixens (female foxes) may also move their litter if they feel the den has been disturbed. This will involve carrying the litter one by one to a safer place. Occasionally you may find a litter at a halfway point waiting for their mother to come back and pick them up.

Does this fox cub need my help?
New born fox cubs are small, covered with short, dark fur and can sometimes be mistaken for puppies or kittens as they make a very similar noise. 

If its eyes are open, the cub is probably fine. Usually the parents will be nearby to care for it, but even if it has lost a parent, other members of the family group will probably be looking after it. They will probably stay out of sight until you leave.  Check the spot after 24 hours.

If you find an uninjured fox cub on a road or somewhere dangerous, move it to a sheltered or safe spot nearby. Try to handle the cub as little as possible. Check the spot after 24 hours and you will probably find it has been taken to safety by its parents.

If the animal is obviously sick, injured or distressed, or if after 24 hours the cub is still alone in the same spot, contact a relevant individual from the CONTACTS page for advice or take it to the nearest veterinary surgery, but keep handling to a minimum, and make a note of the exact location where you found the cub. See fox pages for further information
	© National Fox Welfare Society