FOXES

Fox

General

Over the past decade the number of urban Foxes has increased significantly, although numbers have now reached a state of equilibrium. Whilst known as the Urban Fox, there is no difference whatsoever between it and the Rural Fox. Some people regard the presence of Foxes as a desirable and attractive element of wild life around their homes whilst to others the Fox is a persistent and infuriating nuisance.

Biology and Habitat

Foxes mate during January and February, litters (average size five) are born in March and April and cubs may remain with the Vixen until July.

The Urban Fox is generally nocturnal and its search for food, in addition to mice, moles, insects, earthworms, may include scavenging from dustbins and bird tables, etc. It will also certainly take rabbits, guinea pigs and poultry not held in secure pens and hutches and when rearing cubs may occasionally take a kitten. It must be emphasised, however, that foxes and cats regularly encounter and usually ignore each other.

In urban areas foxes will find cover and sites for earths in numerous locations including parks, cemeteries, overgrown gardens and beneath sheds, etc.

Control

Killing foxes in urban areas is both unnecessary and unlikely to provide a long-term solution as other foxes move in to vacant territories. Certainly South Cambridgeshire District Councils Pest Control team do not provide a fox trapping or eradication service.

If you believe eradication is the only solution please contact a private pest control company (search for Pest Control at yell.co.uk (This link will open in a new window)).