Foxes

  • Foxes are most active at dawn and dusk, but can be seen sunning during the day.
  • Pups are often active during the day.
  • Foxes have been successfully vaccinated against rabies since 1989, by the Ministry of Natural Resources across the GTA. The Ministry advises that the removal of foxes from one area will open up territory for unvaccinated foxes to move in and potentially reintroduce the rabies virus.
  • Foxes live along the lakeshore, beach, ravine and woody stream areas.
  • If left undisturbed, foxes will sometimes make a den in residential areas, under decks or sheds or where there are a lot of bushes or shrubs.
  • Build a “prevention skirt” to help discourage foxes from making a den.
    • Enclose areas underneath patio decks and sheds and other places where foxes may make a den
    • Dig a trench around the base of the structure and use galvanized heavy wire screening as a prevention skirt.
    • Screening should go at least 20 to 30 cm. straight down and 20 to 30 cm., angled 90° outwards underground.
    • Backfill area with dirt.
    • Pile rocks or other items over this area against the structure since foxes can burrow around the wire mesh barrier.
  • Keep pets inside or supervised outside.
  • Get rid of piles of rock, wood or debris as they attract small animals, such as mice.
  • Foxes will eat garbage and pet food left outdoors.
    • Take your green bin and garbage containers to the curb on the morning of pick-up.
    • Use rodent-proof composters.
    • Do not feed pets outside.
  • Foxes will be more likely to visit or look for den sites near a home where people stay indoors most of the time.
  • If you see a fox in your yard, make loud noises directed at the animal. To chase the fox away, spray it with a garden hose. This will not harm the fox.
  1. If you are not sure foxes are using a den site, look for fox fur and food remains.
  2. Encourage foxes to leave on their own by making the den site unlivable.
    • Dig up the ground around entrances to the den.
    • Play a radio tuned to a talk station at the entrance to the den with the volume up loud.
    • Place dog hair in and around the site.
    • Place dog or human urine-soaked rags in and around the den.
  3. When you are sure eviction is complete:
    • Secure the hole to prevent re-entry. Make sure that all boards or galvanized heavy wire screening extend at least 20 to 30 cm straight down and 20 to 30 cm angled 90° outwards underground. Foxes are excellent diggers and continuing the barrier at a 90° angle makes it much more difficult to dig under.
    • Backfill the area with dirt.
    • Repair siding and holes in buildings.
    • Place wood or wire screening around the base of porches and buildings as a prevention skirt. Ensure that you cover these areas to at least 20 to 30 cm straight down and 20 to 30 cm angled 90° outwards underground.
    • Eliminate piles of rock or debris and stack woodpiles neatly to eliminate holes.
  • Foxes that are protecting their young, or injured and sick foxes, may behave strangely.
  • If you see a fox growling, attempting to attack people, larger animals or inanimate objects, call 311.