Foxes (Red and Gray)

Observing a fox during the day does not mean rabies.

  • Both parents participate in raising the kits. 

  • Parents may forage during daylight hours and kits may play outside of the den

  • Mange victims bask in the sun for warmth and hunt for food to conserve energy at night when competition is more likely

  • Mange is treatable

  • Distemper is impacting NC populations

  • Will not harm children or pets

  • Will seek refuge under shed/decks during baby season to avoid coyote predation

  • Will leave once kits are old enough

  • DO NOT use rat poison - the poisoned mouse/rat will kill any animal, including your cat if they consume the poisoned mouse/rat

Contact NC Wildlife Rehab If:

  • Fox appears sick (including neurological symptoms) or injured

  • Kit(s) are found alone

  • Injured, trapped, entangled in netting. 

  • Use thick gloves and a towel to safely contain in a secured carrier

  • Keep the animal warm, dark, and quiet

DO NOT feed or allow handling.

Foxes are shy, not aggressive, but are protective of their young.

Humane Eviction Methods: The goal is to make the area less desirable.

  • Loud noises (loud radio or wind chimes)

  • Motion activated or strobed bright lights

  • Soaked apple cider vinegar rags or cotton balls - other odors they do not like include peppermint oil, predator urine such as coyote or human

  • Repel-All (all natural ingredients and not harmful to children or pets)

  • DO NOT use mothballs (harmful to humans and animals)

  • Moving objects (helium balloons with eyes at waste level, hanging old cds, aluminum pie pans, reflective tape, inflatable air dancers

  • Motion activated sprinklers

  • Motion activated Halloween decorations (jump up or scream!)

Public Notice:  The canine distemper virus is predominately the killer of most wildlife. The victims usually present with ocular and nasal discharge (“goopy” eyes and snotty nose), lethargy, head pressing due to a severe headache, ataxia (walking drunk like), tremors or seizures, and unaware of their surroundings. If you encounter a fox with such symptoms, please contact NC Wildlife Rehab immediately at 704-877-3037. No animal should be left to suffer a horrible death. Humane euthanasia is the last gift we can provide animals suffering. 

➡️Text NC Wildlife Rehab: 704-877-3037immediately regarding an injured, sick, or orphaned fox.