Foxes

Burnt orange fur, a white snout and stomach, piercing eyes and a big, bushy tail are legendary characteristics of the Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes). Foxes are often smaller than people imagine. They typically weigh 5–8 kg, measure 62-72cm in length and stand around 40cm at the shoulder. Dog foxes (males) are usually larger than vixens (females). The species is Britain's most widespread predator and despite centuries of persecution, has a stable population thanks to its intelligent and adaptable nature.

Foxes in the UK have a varied diet that includes small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and carrion. They are opportunistic feeders and will eat whatever is available to them. As skilled hunters, foxes are known to be able to catch prey such as rabbits and mice but will also use their strong sense of smell to sniff out the remains of other animals. Foxes are an important part of the ecosystem and play a crucial role in controlling populations of small mammals and insects.

Foxes can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodland, farmland, and urban areas. They are highly adaptable mammals and can thrive in a range of environments. Foxes will often make their dens in underground burrows, known as 'earths', or in dense vegetation. They are primarily nocturnal animals, meaning they are most active at night.

Breeding occurs once a year, with mating generally taking place during January and February. Courting foxes can be incredibly noisy and will make barking or screaming sounds to communicate. During courting the dog and vixen will travel and hunt together to form a bond. This courting period lasts for around three weeks before mating finally occurs.

Pregnant vixens will gestate for around 53 days and give birth to a litter averaging four to five cubs in March or April. These cubs are born blind, deaf and are dark brown in colour. At 10-14 days old their eyes open and they develop their hearing. At 4 weeks old the cubs begin exploring the outside world with the guidance of their mother. She will teach them everything they need to know about being a fox including important hunting techniques. In September and October, cubs will be adolescents and mature enough to leave their mothers and find their own territories. If they reach sexual maturity, young vixens will go on to breed and have cubs of their own at around 10 months old.

Despite their hardy nature, around 55% of foxes in the UK sadly die in their first year mainly due to road accidents, reduced food availability and human activity. Deaths can be prevented by simply slowing down on the roads, particularly at night, and paying attention to verges where a fox may dart out of. Due to their opportunistic nature, foxes can become secondary victims of rodenticide. Please use humane pest removal methods wherever possible.

We receive many calls during the breeding season regarding disruption of fox earths. If you know or suspect that a vixen has created an earth under a shed or decking, please avoid carrying out building work until you are sure the earth is empty. Often if the vixen is spooked, she'll likely abandon the earth resulting in the death of her cubs.

Safe Rescue

Do not attempt to handle, rescue or transport a fox or cub yourself, no matter how unwell or docile it may appear. Foxes can become aggressive when stressed or injured, exacerbating their symptoms or injury.