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Foxes

Are we getting more foxes in Portsmouth?

No, foxes first colonised our towns and cities in the 1930s. For more towns and cities, including Portsmouth, the fox population reached its carrying capacity (the maximum number of animals the local habitat will sustain) many years ago. In fact, contrary to common belief, the urban fox population of towns and cities in this country is relatively stable. There are very few cases where the fox population is still on the increase, and our own area is not one of them as these only apply to areas recently colonised.

Are urban foxes the same as the foxes that we see in the country?

Yes, urban foxes are exactly the same species as the country foxes and are no less healthy, smaller, less cunning or more mangy than their country counsins. Foxes have adapted very well to urban life.

Do we pest control control urban foxes?

No, the control of urban foxes is very difficult, expensive and never successful. In the past many local authorities have tried. Most, if not all, have given up. The main problem is just that foxes have reached a natural balance in our area and regulate the size of their own population. Litter sizes are small, just below five on average and over 30% do not reach six months of age. Adults rarely reach much more than 18 months of age, although they are capable of reaching eight years of age. If you increase the mortality rate, foxes compensate by increasing the number of breeding vixens so as to retain an equilibrium. What this would do would be to draw new foxes into the area, increasing the problems of calling and other territorial behaviour such as fighting, fouling and scent marking.

Why not return urban foxes to the country?

In short, once a fox has been raised in an urban environment they will have had no experience of hunting in the area where placed to live, probably another fox's territory. In all probability they would last less than two months, plus we would be committing an offence under the Abandonment of Animals Act 1960.

Do foxes attack people?

No, there is not one confirmed case of this ever happening.

Do foxes kill cats?

This is very unlikely. A survey in north-west Bristol where foxes are particularly common showed that they could only attribute 0.7% of cat deaths per year and these were mostly stray kittens from feral populations. Yyour cat stands more chance of being run over. Foxes are only marginally larger than cats and only weigh 5.5 kilos and cats are very capable of sticking up for themselves.

Will foxes kill any of my other pets?

Not if you are a responsible owner and protect them properly. If you make sure hutches, chicken houses and all runs are secure and proofed with chicken wire the chances would indeed be very slim.

Do foxes take food from my rubbish bags?

Yes, this is most likely to happen if your rubbish is put out too early.

Do foxes carry rabies?

Not as far as this country is concerned. Rabies was eliminated from this country in the early part of the 20 Century.

Can I feed the foxes?

Yes, if you wish, although it may not be wise to make them too tame as not all people will have the foxes wellbeing in mind.

Do urban foxes get mange?

Yes, but no more than country foxes. Mange is caused by a mite (sarcoptes scabiei) which burrows into the skin. Exactly the same mite causes mange in dogs and scabies in humans, as it is very virulent and infected animals invariably die unless treated.

Can I stop foxes making those horrible screams?

No, but fortunately this normally only occurs in the mating season around December and January and soon passes.

Can I stop foxes fouling in my garden?

It is difficult but sprays and other formulations as used against dogs and cats are readily available from pet shops and are used with some success.

Can I stop foxes from digging up my lawn?

Yes, foxes generally dig for worms, grubs and beetle larva and the damage usually occurs in wet autumns and springs. If the digging is not too severe you may wait for the weather to change and the digging will soon stop. If more severe you can remove the grubs and worms by using a commercially available insecticide and vermicide. There are various treatments available, or you may provide an alternative food source if you wish.

How do I stop foxes from living under my house?

Many of the older properties in Portsmouth had large metal air vents instead of air bricks. When these corrode they leave access to a wide variety of pests, often being rats and mice. These in return can attract foxes in after them. It is always good practice to make sure that your property is in good repair, for example, any broken air bricks replaced and holes around pipes etc properly sealed.

More information

If you need any further advice please contact the City Helpdesk on 023 9283 4251 or email them at cityhelpdesk@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.

You can call the the Fox Project on 01732 367397 or visit their website.

You can call Fox Deterrence for information on how to stop foxes entering your garden or fouling near your house on 0906 272 4411.

You can call Sick Foxes for information on a simple cure for mange on 0906 272 4422.

Please note that all 0906 calls are charged at a higher than normal call rate.

Associated documents:

  Factsheet - foxes  (0.13 MB)