If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Are foxes dangerous?” you’ve come to the right place. We’ve gathered all the information to answer this question and a lot more about foxes.
Let’s take a burrow into foxes and find out what we can about the dangers. Read on to learn about:
- Foxes Hunting Humans and Animals
- Diseases Foxes Carry
- When You’ll Most Likely See a Fox
- What to Do if You Encounter a Fox
- How to Humanely Get Rid of a Fox
- Are Foxes Good Pets?
Who Is Most at Risk?
Before we dive into details, it’s best to know who and what is most at risk when it comes to foxes. Let’s have a look at the basics.
Danger to Humans
Do foxes attack humans? Generally, they avoid us as they evade any conflict. While the space between us and these wild creatures is getting smaller, humans are least at risk.
Foxes are always looking for food, so they might come to your living area. Trash cans and animal feed will draw them in.
These animals are usually out at night, but if you encounter one during the day, don’t panic. They aren’t aggressive and will try to run before anything else.
Are Foxes Dangerous to Dogs?
Household pets like cats and dogs are generally safe as foxes avoid all types of tension where possible.
You can take some safety measures, like fencing, to keep your animals safely inside, particularly if you live out in the open. While the price of training a dog may seem like a lot, a dog responding to your call could save its life when encountering other animals.
A fox may go after tiny animals, like kittens and puppies, as they’re defenseless. If your household pet has babies, it’s best to keep them indoors until they’re a bit bigger.
Generally, keeping animals inside at night is a good way to ensure safety.
But do foxes eat rabbits? Smaller animals like bunnies should remain in sturdy structures that are difficult to open but take special note that a fox can burrow.
If your animal gets bitten by a fox, reach out to your vet immediately to ensure your pet is healthy and isn’t injured too severely. Rabies vaccines in these circumstances can save your animal’s life. Have a look at our vaccine schedule to help you along.
We recommend researching accurate GPS devices for dogs if you think your pet can get out and encounter a fox.
Farm Animals Are Most at Risk
Unlike domesticated animals, animals on a farm are more at risk of a fox attack because they’re constantly outdoors.
A fox will go after smaller animals like chickens. Also, if a larger farm animal dies, the smell may attract a fox.
Do Foxes Carry Disease?
The chances of a fox carrying disease are super rare, but some may have rabies. The good news? Transmission between humans is highly unlikely.
Foxes can also carry fleas, mites, and other parasites, so it’s best to keep your distance, even if it’s a local fox you recognize.
If you notice any of the following signs, stay away from the animal:
- Aggressive behavior
- Unusually tame behavior
- Partial paralysis
- Self-mutilation
- Staggering around
These are all signs of a fox with rabies. That can be deadly, so stay away and call animal control or the police and follow their instructions.
Self-mutilation is a massive sign of mange, a type of mite that causes intense itching. So much so that a fox may injure itself to relieve the itch.
These mites cause scabies in humans, which are seriously itchy and difficult to get rid of.
What to Do if You Get Bitten by a Fox
The chances of experiencing a fox attack are very small, but should you get a bite, wash the wound ASAP with water and soap. You’ll also need prompt medical attention to avoid infection and receive preventative treatment for rabies.
While you may shrug off a nip, getting to a doctor is crucial as the onset of rabies can be quick and fatal.
When You’ll Most Likely See a Fox
These animals are around all year, and seeing a fox during the day or night isn’t uncommon. They’re most likely spotted at dusk and dawn.
The fox doesn’t hibernate, so you can also see it throughout winter.
Where Do Foxes Roam & Hide?
Foxes usually remain in the same area of about 2–7 miles. In winter, they try to find a warm, enclosed space to keep out of the cold. So, finding a fox under your porch or any buildings on the property isn’t unusual. But the fox will run away once it hears you coming.
Don’t corner a fox, as that will cause aggression. If you know a fox likes to huddle under a building, try to avoid the area.
So, are wild foxes dangerous? All wild animals can be a risk to a certain degree, so it’s best to leave them be.
Foxes dig burrows, also known as dens. These tunnels are for raising kits and storing food in winter. Their dens are usually in a densely forested area to remain hidden. You’ll notice them by the size and smell since a fox marks its territory at the entrance.
What to Do if a Fox Approaches You
The best piece of advice we can give here is never (and we mean NEVER) corner a fox. The animal will get aggressive, putting you in harm’s way.
So, are foxes dangerous to humans? Not inherently, but you need to be careful. They may look sweet and cuddly, but they’re still wild animals, no matter their size.
The best thing to do is stop, slowly back away, and give the fox space to run and hide. These creatures aren’t aggressive, but they can be if they feel trapped.
If you think the animal is sick, a call to animal control is your best bet to avoid any unwanted spread of disease in the area.
Getting Rid of a Fox Humanely — How to Scare a Fox Away
Although wild, a fox looks sweet and fluffy. But don’t let that fool you. These creatures are not safe around your house, particularly if you have young children or animals that run outside.
We never advocate violence towards animals, but there are some ways to keep foxes in your area at bay.
Since they avoid humans, you can scream, clap, or make noise to frighten them away. A motion sensor with an alarm is also a great choice.
So, are foxes dangerous, and how can you protect yourself against them? They’re usually not, but repellents that send dogs away will have the same effect on dear old Mr. Fox. Also, clear up any trash or spilled pet food as these attract foxes.
Foxes as Pets — Good Idea or a No Go?
With its big eyes and the fluffiest of coats, we can’t help but wonder — can a fox be a good household pet? The short answer is no.
A fox is a wild animal that should remain in its natural habitat. Plus, owning a fox in states is illegal in some states.
To answer the question, “Do foxes attack humans?” it’s not very likely, but any animal can have an off day and take playing to another level.
In some circumstances, a fox may need hand-rearing and human interaction, particularly if found when it’s too small to fend for itself. Read on for some advice in such cases.
What to Feed a Fox
The natural diet of a fox mainly consists of protein. So, it’s best to keep them on it with either raw or cooked meat. Alternatively, wet dog food is also an option. There are even specific fox foods, but they aren’t readily available.
Preparing Your Home for a Fox
If you have a fox in the house, you should know a few things. Firstly, potty training a fox is near impossible, so the animal will mark its territory indoors.
But do foxes eat cats? If you have other animals in the house, a fox isn’t the best idea, particularly if they’re small.
A fox won’t walk on a leash unless trained from a very young age. It goes against all its instincts. But you could still give it a go with a harness for a large doggo.
Remember that foxes are mighty energetic. You know all about it if you’ve ever seen one jumping in the snow. That means you need to keep them entertained to prevent destroyed furniture and anything else lying around.
So, are foxes mean? No, they aren’t trying to be malicious, but they have far more wild instincts than domestic animals.
Interesting Facts About Foxes
Let’s learn more about foxes:
- While there are dogs that look similar to a fox, this animal is more like a house cat in that it has retractable claws and vertical pupils.
- A fox is born deaf, blind, and unable to walk.
- A group of foxes is known as a leash or skulk.
- Foxes are part of the canine family.
They’re truly unique creatures.
Are Foxes Dangerous? — The Bottom Line
Foxes are wild animals, even if they look cute. They have different instincts and needs compared to domesticated animals. So, while they’re playful and adorable, foxes aren’t made to live an indoor life.
The biggest danger to us isn’t an attack from them but a disease. A fox can be rabid, which is fatal for humans. While this animal isn’t inherently mean or dangerous, it’s best to keep your distance.
FAQ
Will a fox kill a cat?
Yes. Unfortunately, like all wild animals, a fox will attack a cat as it’s small and jolts around. Since the two are similar, the fox may just want to play with the cat, but that could easily hurt the domestic animal.
Do foxes come out during the day?
They can, but you’re more likely to see a fox at dusk or dawn. They prefer to remain hidden.
How to keep foxes out of your yard?
Foxes are shy. They’ll try to avoid conflict, so making noise will likely scare them off. A fence is also an option, but it needs to be deep in the ground as foxes are serious diggers.
What do foxes hunt?
Foxes go after smaller animals like birds, rodents, bunnies, and even worms. But they’re also scavengers, so they may go after your trash, putting you and your animals at risk. It’s best to keep your trash area closed up.
Are Red foxes dangerous?
No fox is dangerous in nature, but it’s still wild. The red fox is more sneaky and will go after animals. It’s also bigger, meaning it can hunt and attack bigger animals.
Are Fennec foxes dangerous?
The Fennec fox is a smaller breed and the number one choice for a pet fox. But if you want more information and an answer to the question ”Are foxes dangerous?” simply scroll up.
