It’s baby fox season in NC. Here’s how to safely coexist with them (and mom)
March means lots of things in North Carolina, from basketball to pollen. It’s also the time when red foxes will be born throughout the state.
Red foxes, which can be found in all 100 counties of North Carolina, generally mate in January, then have a litter of pups around late February through April, according to the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).
The animals are known to have their pups in dens — either dug out by the fox parents or other animals, such as woodchucks or skunks, NCWRC says — which they may locate under homes, porches, decks, sheds and other crawl spaces, particularly if the foxes are known to spend time in those areas outside of the breeding and denning seasons.
What should you do if you find or suspect a fox den under your home? Should you be concerned for your safety, or for the safety of the foxes? Are they a danger to pets?
We consulted the NCWRC for more information about red foxes and their breeding season in North Carolina, including how to safely and peacefully coexist with the animals.
Here’s what to know.
When is breeding, denning season for foxes in NC?
Red foxes in North Carolina generally mate in January each year, then have a gestation period of about 52 days before their kits are born. A typical litter will have about four or five kits, but may have as many as 10.
Kits tend to be born around late February through April, and they’re born to their parents in a den — essentially, ”a space safe to have and raise their kits,” Tim Mathews, a human wildlife interactions biologist with NCWRC, told The News & Observer by email.
That means red foxes are likely looking for a place to make their den now, in early March, and may have even found a safe spot already, Mathews said.
The kits will leave the den a few months later, likely in July or August, when they “are capable enough to forage for themselves,” Mathews said.
“Outside of this season, foxes typically do not spend time resting in dens and actually prefer to sleep out in the open using their tail to keep warm,” Mathews said.
Why do foxes make dens close to people, homes?
It’s possible that foxes could find and make their dens close to homes, including in crawl spaces or under porches — but it’s not necessarily common, Mathews said.
“Denning under porches and sheds is not a common occurrence because natural den sites are preferred by most individuals,” he said.
Still, some foxes — particularly those that are used to being around people — may decide to den near homes, because they won’t be as bothered by the movements and noises humans make.
“Foxes that spend most of their time near humans can become habituated to our presence and may not concern themselves with our day-to-day movements,” Mathews said. “These are the foxes that will typically den in or under man-made structures.”
Other reasons:
Safety. A major reason foxes make their dens close to homes or other similar structures is to stay safe from animals that might hurt the fox parents or their pups — particularly coyotes, The News & Observer previously reported.
Food. Foxes might also be looking for food in your yard or near your home.
They might go through your outdoor compost or garbage, look for fruit that’s fallen off trees, eat food that you’ve left out for a dog or cat, or try to eat bird seed off the ground. Make sure to keep these things secure and away from areas you don’t want foxes to be in.
Should I move or approach a fox’s den?
If you happen to see a fox den near your home, you should leave it alone.
You may be tempted to rescue or relocate the foxes, particularly if you see young fox kits alone and without parents — but NCWRC says you should know that “young animals, even if alone, are not necessarily abandoned.”
“Many animals do not stay with their young and only return to feed them,” NCWRC says.
If you approach or attempt to interact with foxes in their den, mother foxes “may act defensively to protect her kits.”
Will foxes hurt me or my pets?
Fox sightings are becoming more common across the state, as humans continue to establish suburbs and communities in places historically inhabited by the animals.
If you see a fox, you should know that they generally will not harm you — unless you’re attempting to approach their den, as mentioned above.
“Fox attacks on people, including children, are rare,” NCWRC says. “While it is in a fox’s nature to be curious, and even bold sometimes, they are not aggressive.”
A note about pets: If you have pets and you’ve discovered a fox den on your property, make sure to keep your pets away from the den.
“Dogs and cats can disturb dens, prompting aggressive fox behavior from the foxes,” NCWRC says.
I saw a fox during the day. Does that mean it’s rabid?
While red foxes are primarily nocturnal, you may see them during the day. This does not necessarily mean the fox is rabid.
“It is now common to see foxes during the daytime and in urban or suburban areas. Foxes are responding to the lack of threats posed by people and the abundance of food available in suburban area,” NCWRC says.
“However, if the animal shows signs of rabies — such as aggression, stumbling or foaming at the mouth — call your local animal control.”
How to safely coexist with foxes in NC
If you routinely notice foxes near your home or you come across them elsewhere, NCWRC offers these tips to prevent conflicts with the animals:
▪ Don’t approach the fox. As we’ve already noted, foxes generally aren’t aggressive, but you should enjoy their presence from a safe distance — especially if you’ve spotted them in their dens.
▪ Don’t feed foxes. Leaving out food for foxes, either intentionally or unintentionally, encourages them to come back and encourages them to become comfortable around people. “Once a fox becomes habituated to people, it may become bold and aggressive,” NCWRC says.
▪ Secure your garbage and compost. Foxes may be attracted to these as sources of food. Make sure you keep the lids tight on containers and place them out for collection in the morning, not overnight.
▪ Feed your pets indoors. If you’re leaving food outdoors, foxes may approach the area to get it.
▪ Clear fallen fruit and bird seed. Foxes may be attracted to these as food sources.
▪ Close off crawl spaces near your home. If you don’t want foxes to den under or around your home, try closing up spaces where they may be attracted.
▪ Keep your pets away from foxes. Your dog or cat may be tempted to approach or disturb fox dens. Keep them away to keep everyone safe.
▪ Install fox-proof fencing. This is especially helpful around your home or near chicken coops or rabbit habitats. “Electric fencings work well to protect chickens and rabbits and can be found at your local home improvement store,” NCWRC says.
▪ Make noise. Noise from a radio or pots and pans might encourage foxes to stay away from your yard, or move their dens elsewhere.
▪ Educate your neighbors. Make sure people around you know these tips, too, so that you’re all on the same page.
Note: It is illegal to relocate foxes in North Carolina, mostly to prevent the spread of possible disease. “The solution is to modify your habits and prevent foxes from being attracted to your home,” NCWRC says.
More information about foxes in NC
More information about red foxes in North Carolina can be found on the NCWRC website at ncwildlife.org/Learning/Species/Mammals/Red-Fox.
This story was originally published March 2, 2023 at 6:45 AM.
