When to Call Animal Control for a Fox

It's a common sight to see a fox visiting your property at night, but what should you do if you encounter one during the day? Should you call animal control, or is it best to leave the fox alone? This article will guide you through the decision-making process and provide useful information on how to handle encounters with foxes.

Understanding the Behavior of Foxes

Foxes are often seen as solitary animals that typically avoid human interaction. However, certain situations may warrant intervention, such as if the fox is causing problems, displaying strange behavior, or potentially being diseased. Understanding the nuances of a fox's behavior can help you decide the best course of action.

Health Concerns and Illness

One of the primary reasons to call animal control is if the fox appears to be unwell or potentially rabid. If the fox is observed during the daylight hours, it may indicate that the animal is either unwell or under duress, which could be a sign of rabies or other illnesses. In such cases, it is crucial to call animal control for assistance and to ensure public safety.

Situational Considerations

FOXES ARE MORE OFTEN VISIBLE IF THEY FEEL THREATENED OR HAVE BECOME NUISANCE ANIMALS.

Rarely, in suburban and urban environments, foxes may venture out during the day, and if you see a fox that is not hiding but instead is easily seen, it might be a sign of an underlying issue, such as illness or injury. If a fox is seen regularly and is unafraid of humans, it might be a sign of rabies or other health issues that necessitate immediate attention.

When Foxes Aren't a Problem

If the fox is simply visiting your property and moving around freely without causing any disturbances, it is generally recommended to leave it alone. A healthy fox is less likely to cause any real damage and can be an interesting spectacle to observe. Enjoy the opportunity to watch its natural behavior and movements.

Protect Your Flock: Addressing Chicken Predation

THE MOST COMMON REASON TO CONTACT ANIMAL CONTROL IS IF THE FOX IS ATTEMPTING TO ENTER YOUR CHICKEN COOP OR DESTROYING YOUR FLOCK.

If you notice a fox in the chicken coop or in a similar position where it can cause serious damage, it is important to act. Animal control may be the best resource to remove the fox safely and minimize the risk to your animals. Protecting your livestock is crucial and should always be a priority.

Alternative Solutions

IF THE FOX IS NOT POSING IMMEDIATE DANGER, CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES SUCH AS CONTACTING A NUISANCE WILDLIFE CONTROL SPECIALIST.

Many areas have nuisance wildlife control operators (NWCOs) who are better equipped to safely handle foxes. They are knowledgeable about local wildlife and can provide humane trapping and removal services. Instead of relying on animal control, which may not be equipped to deal with wild animals, it is often more effective to seek professional help from local wildlife management experts.

Live Trapping and Releasing

ONE OPTION IS TO PURCHASE A LIVE TRAP FROM VENDORS LIKE AMAZON TO GENTLY CAPTURE THE FOX AND RELOCATE IT TO A SHELTERED AREA.

Companies like Havahart offer humane traps that can be used to safely catch and transfer the fox to a remote location. It is essential to research and follow the local laws and regulations regarding the release of the fox. This includes obtaining any necessary permits and ensuring that the new location is suitable and not within a prohibited area.

Conclusion

WHETHER TO CALL ANIMAL CONTROL FOR A FOX DEPENDS ON THEpecifics of the situation. If the fox is a threat to your property or livestock, it is advisable to seek professional help immediately. However, if the fox is simply enjoying the outdoors and does not pose any risk, let it go and enjoy the natural beauty.