Many people are concerned about foxes affected by mange. A scruffy looking fox is not necessarily an ill fox. When moulting in spring, foxes look quite rough, but this does not mean they are mangy. They are typically found in woodland and open country, but their presence in urban areas is increasing. Red foxes are opportunist feeders and eat insects, earthworms, fruit, berries, wild birds, small mammals and scraps left by humans.
Red foxes are primarily active at dusk and night. They are solitary, but they very occasionally group together in a pack.
Foxes forage alone in different parts of their territory, which may extend from 25 to 5,000 acres, depending on the habitat. They use faeces and urine to mark territories.
Reproduction
Vixens come into heat once a year for one-six days. They give birth to four-seven cubs in a den (also called an earth), after a gestation period of 51-53 days. The cubs are weaned at seven to nine weeks and become sexually mature after a year. The number of cubs and the time of year in which the vixen gives birth depends on food availability.
Remedy
Fox control is a specialist area of pest control, and not all companies are comfortable dealing with this common pest.
Having problems with Foxes?
Use a trained professional pest controller.
Search for your local BPCA member