Foxes

Foxes enjoy living in open, grassy regions with bushy fence lines and woody stream borders. They sometimes take over the dens of smaller animals like groundhogs, live in a hollowed out tree or under a deck, shed or woodpile.

Foxes have long, silky, rust-coloured fur with black tipped ears, legs and a tail. The chest and belly is a creamy colour. The fur of a young one is short, thick and lighter in colour compared to an adult.

• Adult foxes can grow to be around 3.6 feet in length and on average weigh 8-15 pounds
• The average lifespan of a fox in the wild is three to four years, but they can live up to 12 years
• While it is common to see a fox out during the day, they are most active at dawn or dusk
• Foxes do not hibernate and are very active in the winter
• The fox’s main predators are coyotes, hawks, owls, dogs and humans. In habitats where coyotes are present, foxes will try to live close to humans to keep coyotes away.
• Foxes are omnivores but meat is the biggest part of their diet
• Foxes are shy and prefer to avoid confrontations with people
• Foxes are known to attack small pets

Avoiding foxes

• Use a flashlight, umbrella or personal alarm to scare foxes away if they cross your path
• Foxes like to make dens in small enclosed areas like the space below a deck or under a shed. Close off these areas to stop foxes from building a den on your property.
• If you know where a fox den is, avoid that area

If you encounter a fox that is staggering, falling, walking strangely, aggressive or biting itself, call 905-896-5858.