That’s Not A Dog

Have you ever questioned an animal that has run across the road while you were driving? A coyote or fox can look like a dog or a skunk can be mistaken for a cat. There has been many times I have mistaken a fox as a dog.

Foxes are considered a nuisance pest or creature due to their attacks on poultry and other small livestock. Attacks on humans are not common because foxes have adapted well to human environments. Foxes in urban areas actually live longer than foxes in non-urban areas. Many people have made a fox their family pet; however, it is best to discourage the idea.

Foxes can be small to medium sized. They have a flat skull, upright triangular ears, a slightly upturned snout, and a long bushy tail. The red fox is mostly seen in our area and can weigh up to 19.2 pounds. They have partially retractable claws and black whiskers.

Female foxes has a reproductive cycle 12 months long. They are in gestation for 52-53 days and can have a litter up to five kits. Foxes will den in areas in the woods or even on a homeowner’s property that is camouflaged away from threats with an adequate food source around.

Here are some tips to help keep foxes off your property.

1. Apply a chain length fence that is at least six feet high around your property. An electric fence is better if you don't have any pets or children that go outdoors.

2. Deterrent sprays made for domestic dogs is an option.

3. Using items with a strong human scent can discourage foxes away from your property.

4. Install a motion activated light, sprinkler or noisemaker to repel the pest away. Banging on pots or pans will scare an occasional fox away as well.

5. Take away the fox's food source. Make sure you have trash can lids tightly on the outside trash cans. Don't leave pet food outside. Once your pet is finished eating pick the food up so the fox won't have access to it. Keep the ground free from birdseed if you have a birdhouse. If you have a compost bin, make sure it's fenced.

If you have seen a fox around your property or have evidence there are foxes living on your property, give Elite Wildlife Removal a call at 804-867-7184. Our licensed and trained staff will be more than happy to conduct a thorough inspection.