Foxes

Foxes

Size

Typically weigh 5–8 kg
measure 62-72cm in length
stand around 40cm at the shoulder.
Dog foxes (males) are usually larger than vixens (females).

Diet

Small mammals
Birds
Insects
Fruits
Carrion

Foxes can become secondary victims of rodenticide. Please use humane pest removal methods.

Habitat

Woodland
Farmland
Urban areas

Mange

Sarcoptic mange is a mite that burrows into the skin and causes intense itching. This causes the fox to scratch at the area, resulting in fur loss, skin damage and open wounds which has the potential to become infected. Please contact your closest Wildlife Rescue Centre for guidance.

Find Your Closest Rescue Centre

Illness and Injury

Leg injuries such as sprains and strains are common in foxes and they often cope well until fully healed. The injured leg will appear normal with no swelling or visible wounds. In these instances the best course of action is to provide food and water to support healing and monitor the fox.

Open wounds, road traffic accidents and broken bones require immediate action, contact your closest Wildlife Rescue Centre or call 0300 1234 999 for help.

Unwell foxes may appear lethargic or disorientated and will require medical attention. Contact your closest Wildlife Rescue Centre or call 0300 1234 999.

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.

Supplementary Feeding:

Aim for wet or dry dog foods, eggs and raw or cooked meats.

When To Feed:

All year round.

Time of day?

Try to feed at the same time each day. This will build a routine, reduce food being left and chances of rats.

Fox Cubs

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.

Orphaned Cubs

Vixens will often leave the earth to hunt. If you find a baby fox, it might not have been abandoned. In the spring, it's normal to see month-old cubs developing their survival skills above ground during the day. Their parents are usually nearby. Parent foxes are unlikely to approach the cubs if people are around. Vixens will move their litter one by one if they feel the den has been disturbed and so you may come across cubs then.

If you have confirmed that the mother is unfortunately deceased, call a wildlife rescue centre immediately for assistance.

Is The Cub In Danger?

Baby foxes are often taken to wildlife centres by people who want to help, but this isn't always what's best for them. Reuniting them with their mother is the best chance of survival in the wild.

If the cub is alone but not in immediate danger, monitor for an hour or two. They may reunite with their mother. After that time, if it’s clear that they need help, contact your closest wildlife rescue centre or call 0300 1234 999.

If its eyes are open - parents are probably nearby so check again in 24 and 48 hours, and provide supplementary puppy food/water if concerned.
If its eyes are shut - the cub is dependent on their mother and too young to be above ground. Don't confine it, as it might be possible for an expert to reunite it with mum.

Wildlife and Garden

The Wildlife and Garden collection has been carefully curated to help you support and encourage more wildlife into your garden, and make your garden feel fabulous.

From bird nesters to hedgehog highways and seedballs, our range will help you create a thriving ecosystem within your garden space.