Is It Odd for a Fox to Follow a Person and a Dog 25kg Up the Street? Understanding Fox Behavior
The scenario of a fox following a person and a dog up the street is not as extraordinary as one might think. Various factors play a part in why foxes approach humans, including curiosity and a desire for safety in numbers. Let's explore the behavior of foxes and the reasons behind their actions.
Why Would a Fox Follow People and Their Pets?
It is not entirely unusual for a fox to follow a person and a dog, especially in areas with high human and canine activity. Foxes are generally cautious animals, and they may keep a distance that ensures their safety. The particular distance of about 3 meters that you mentioned indicates that the fox felt both curious and perhaps a bit unsure.
Urban or suburban areas can make foxes more accustomed to humans and their pets. This proximity to human environments can sometimes lead to a certain level of familiarity. However, it is crucial to remember that wild animals can be unpredictable, and maintaining a safe distance is best practice. If you encounter a fox again, it might be wise to calmly move away to avoid making it feel threatened or cornered.
Why Was the Fox Making an ‘Alarm Call’?
Watching the fox’s behavior, such as pacing and emitting an “alarm call,” might suggest that there are kits (baby foxes) nearby. The fox could have been following you to ensure there was no danger to the young ones. This alarm call is a natural response to perceived threats and can also be a form of communication with other foxes, especially during the breeding season.
Are Tame Foxes Common in Urban Areas?
Species like the red fox, which is native to North America, can sometimes become tame when regularly fed by humans. These foxes might follow people around, beg for food, and associate human proximity with food sources. However, it is important to note that human feeding can be highly detrimental to the health and well-being of foxes.
Feeding wild animals can make them dependent on human-provided food, leading to a loss of natural foraging skills and even potential dangers to both the animal and those feeding them. Additionally, human food is not healthy for foxes, and they may start to associate harmless pets like small dogs with potential threats. Because of these risks, it is often recommended to avoid feeding wildlife.
Safe Relations with Foxes: Personal Accounts and Tips
There are instances where foxes become accustomed to humans and can even be kept as animals. For example, a fox in Scotland followed a lady with cat biscuits, calling for her missing cat, while trotting behind a group of cats. This behavior showcases that foxes can be surprisingly friendly and even assisted in finding lost pets.
My grandfather had a tame fox named Kyle who befriended him and became a part of the family. Kyle would lie on the couch and never harmed the grandfather’s cat or young children. While this is unique, it highlights that with proper handling and care, tame foxes can live peacefully alongside humans. If the fox becomes a nuisance, contacting the local wildlife agency for relocation is often the best course of action, although the fox might return or face a negative outcome.
Conclusion
In summary, it is not odd for a fox to follow a person and a dog up the street. The fox’s behavior, such as maintaining a distance and making alarm calls, can be attributed to curiosity, safety, and the need to protect young kits. While wild animals like foxes can sometimes become tame, it is best to approach them with caution and respect. Understanding and respecting their natural behavior and habitat is crucial to coexisting peacefully with these creatures.