Relatives of domestic dogs, foxes live throughout the world on every continent except Antarctica. They are traditionally noted for being resourceful, intelligent, and cunning, qualities that also contribute to their status as nuisance pests. Foxes can adapt to most types of habitats found within their range, and they frequently live in areas where human activity results in the high availability of food, water, and shelter. The most common species in the United States are the red fox and the gray fox.
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True to their name, red foxes generally range in color from yellowish red to reddish brown. Gray foxes, however, can also have red patches of fur, which sometimes makes it difficult to distinguish between the two species. The tail serves as a clear marker of difference: the tail of the gray fox has a black tip, while the tail of the red fox is white. Both species typically weigh between 6 and 15 pounds, though some foxes can grow as large as 30 pounds in weight. Foxes are usually about 2 feet tall and 3 feet long, including the tail.
More information on what a fox looks like.
Gray foxes live in deciduous forests and rocky woodlands, while red foxes inhabit a combination of forested areas and open meadows. Both species often live near farmlands, though red foxes are known to invade agricultural areas more commonly than their gray relatives. Foxes reside in dens, which they make out of underground burrows, hollow trees or logs, and the crevices created by formations of large rocks.
While foxes usually stay out of homes (though they may enter if they detect food) and other inhabited structures, they often invade residential areas to look for food or shelter. Garbage cans, gardens, and livestock commonly attract hungry foxes. The pests will also construct dens in the crawlspaces under decks, porches, and sheds.
In most cases, foxes are harmless animals that pose minimal threats to humans. However, they sometimes invade poultry farms and prey on the domestic birds that live on the premises. Foxes can also carry diseases such as rabies, tularemia, and canine distemper. Rabid foxes pose health threats to humans and other animals, while tularemia and canine distemper can be transmitted to domesticated dogs.
Even though healthy foxes rarely harm people, fox safety should not be taken lightly. Wild foxes can be aggressive, as mothers are extremely protective of their young and will defend their litters if they feel threatened. To keep foxes out of the yard, residents must remove anything that might attract the pests. This includes keeping cats indoors at night, closely supervising small dogs at all times, sealing crawlspaces under porches and decks, adequately protecting livestock, and never leaving food out for other animals to eat.
Although the hunting and trapping of foxes is often regulated by state or local law, Critter Control technicians are certified wildlife specialists with the knowledge and tools to get rid of your fox problem safely and properly. We practice humane fox removal techniques that ensure a safe and effective solution to your fox issue. In addition to knowing how to identify foxes and prevent future fox damage, our professional technicians are trained in fox trapping, fox removal, and fox control.