Suburban Fox?

[FrenchFrytheEqHorse]

Hi There. I don’t normally frequent this forum, but I know you all are truly knowledgable when it comes to foxes, so I decided to venture in to ask for a suggestion or two.
I live in a suburb of Baltimore (about 2 miles from the city line, so more “urb” than “sub”). Growing up, we always had plenty of little foxes in the neighborhood, and they never caused a big problem. Actually, I rarely saw them, and don’t remember but a handful of them.

A few weeks ago, as I was pulling into my driveway at around 3 pm, I almost ran over a GIANT red fox. I slammed on my brakes, and although my gravel driveway made quite a loud noise in doing so, the fox stayed put. He didn’t seem afraid at all, so I honked at him and he trotted off.
Then, a few days after that, I awoke at 4am to the most deafening noise I’ve ever heard. Ever. The fox was sitting on my wrap-around porch SCREAMING. Right under my bedroom window.
THEN, about a week after the screaming incident, I was taking the trash out around 9pm, and caught the fox stalking my neighbor’s geriatric cat. I wish my neighbor would keep the cat inside, but that’s another story.
The last straw was tonight. My dog and I were playing fetch in our side yard, and I heard the screaming again. In the MIDDLE of my yard, the fox is just sitting. My dog is about 10 feet away, and thankfully, very well trained, so I called him over and took him inside. I sent my SO outside to investigate, and the fox was sitting in my driveway. My SO hollered at him and tossed a few stones in his direction, and he trotted off, but his boldness is beginning to worry me.
I live in a very quiet neighborhood, and have a rather large property for my area (about 1.75 acres). Considering this fox’s other options, I can imagine why he likes my place. Problem is, I don’t like him too much. My SO wants to call animal control because he thinks the fox is becoming a threat to our dog (could that be possible? We have a 50lb corgi/retriever mix). I would rather get rid of him some other way because I feel like anima control will just trap him and kill him (Baltimore animal control leaves something to be desired…). Is there anything I can put around the property that will discourage this guy from sticking around? Or should I just deal with him? He’s becoming quite a nuissance…

[Equibrit]

“He’s becoming quite a nuissance…”

How exactly?

[SLW]

[QUOTE=FrenchFrytheEqHorse;3177598]
Is there anything I can put around the property that will discourage this guy from sticking around? …[/QUOTE]

A foxhound.

The fox must feel safe, not threatened and is getting plenty of food around your place. A live trap would be a safe way to secure the lil guy.

[Ashby]

You ought to borrow my dog.

[FrenchFrytheEqHorse]

[QUOTE=Equibrit;3177644]
“He’s becoming quite a nuissance…”

How exactly?[/QUOTE]

I’m not quite sure I wasn’t clear about this in my original post, but he’s stalking neighborhood pets, making quite a ruckus on my front porch at all hours of the night (not just my backyard, but in living space I use quite frequently), and makes me anxious in his reluctance to leave when approached loudly. He’s really not skittish at all, and I worry that his lax attitude is going to get him or someone else hurt. I’d rather it not be the latter.

Now I understand that under most circumstances, it’s US that are invading the fox’s territory, but I live in 110 year old house in a very old, established neighborhood, so it’s not like we moved in yesterday. And if this fox weren’t causing these issues, I would rather enjoy his company because he really is a stunning animal. Again, I’m not talking about a Northern VA sprawl of McMansions. We’ve never had this issue before, and I’m wondering if there are any options regarding getting this guy on his way, or if I’m going to have to call animal control. I had an issue a few years ago with a rabid raccoon in my yard, and AC sent out a guy with a rifle, who said that’s how they manage all raccoon calls- rabid or not. If I don’t do anything about this guy, then my neighbors will, and they most certainly will not have the best outcome for the fox in mind.

I do know that certain species are sensitive to relocation. I am 100% open to the live trap/relocate option, and as my family owns a 100 acre farm in Westminster, I would have a great area to take him. But I don’t want to do this if it will be harmful to him. I’ve also heard that sprinkling fox urine around the barn can deter feral cats and the like. Is there some kind of similar way to “repel” the fox?

To all of you with productive input, I appreciate it. Our dog is not winning any intimidation awards in the near future, so I doubt he would put the fox off much, if at all.

[Parminch]

If I were you, I would get in touch with the huntsman of the closest fox hunt. They are very knowledgeable about the fox and its habits and I am sure would help you get it moved to a suitable place if that is what should be done.
We have had a young red fox in our paddocks for the last few months. It would trot right in among the horses and try to play. Then trot off with one of the horses trotting after it. Fun to see, but I live in the country on a horse farm. I can see how you do not know for sure what the situation is where you live.
good luck.

[Mudroom]

Hire a coyote - sorry, I know you are looking for constructive ideas.

I have read that foxes are the most geographically diverse mammals on earth, they are incredibly adaptable to what ever environment is convenient, tropics, artic, rural or urban. As you say, your guy has adapted quite readily to your neighborhood and feels right at home.

I do not know about the “screaming”, that might be something related to springtime, mating season etc.

I doubt he is any threat to your dog, even the geriatric cat may be safe. Foxes live mainly on mice etc. Since it sounds like your dog is pretty indifferent to the fox that would imply his insticts don’t feel threatened.

I don’t know of anything that would act as a repellent, except a predator. Since you have access to the farm, a live trap and transporting it there may be the best bet. That may or may not be legal in your state. You are probably right that animal control or one of those “Critter Gitter” companies will probably kill it. They are probably require to by law.

Sorry I don’t have an easy solution for you. Good luck with it.

[Beverley]

Ah, yes, when we lived in N. Va a fox adopted our half acre- found him curled up asleep on the front porch more than once. And a friend nearby had a pair of grey foxes that produced a litter under her porch every year.

First choice if it were my problem would be to ask a huntsman to trap and relocate it. But- huntsman has to have a state permit to do so, and, it is virtually impossible to live trap an adult fox- cubs are pretty easy though.

The screaming- well, it’s a bit late for mating calls, that should have happened in December, so I would say he might just be thumping his chest and proclaiming that your place is HIS territory.

Relocation can be successful if done properly. But as noted above that will be difficult to achieve since one first has to catch the beast.

Your dog is safe. The geriatric cat is not safe. Foxes don’t generally go out of their way to take on adult cats, but they are clever enough to identify a weaker geezer.

My next suggestion would therefore be- obtain some coyote urine for a sporting goods supplier and apply liberally around your property. If that doesn’t convince him to stay away, then do call the huntsman at Green Spring Valley or Elkridge Harford and ask for their help- they may know of a professional trapper with the appropriate permit who might have better choices than your local animal control.

[thumbsontop]

I think attempting relocation is the most humane option. I agree with calling the local hunt club (though you may not want it to become game!) or department of wildlife. Scaring it away will almost certainly result in it’s death.

I’m familiar with that screaming. It’s not just in mating season either! Fortunately for me I usually hear it when it’s about 300 yds away at least. I can’t imagine it near the house!

I’m just lurking too…I was intrigued by the topic title.

[AKB]

The good news is that you will not have rats or other vermin around your house. Sometimes it is just best to stop worrying and enjoy whatever nature bestows upon your yard.

Our Esmerelda stops by at 7pm every evening to pick up any large milkbones that our overfed dogs have left by the back door. She then brings the milkbones home to her den in our neighbor’s yard. I wouldn’t advise touching your fox, as they are susceptible to rabies, as are dogs and cats. I also don’t advise bathing your fox in herbal remedies to prevent mange, or giving them a daily herbal supplement, as many Brits seem to do. If your fox needs medical assistance, there are groups that can help you with that.

Our approach is always to enjoy the wildlife. Think of how fortunate you are to have a beautiful fox. If anyone knows of instances of foxes hurting people or causing trouble, please post it. Our Esmerelda seems like a sweet creature, who is just looking for a little companionship and some leftover Milkbones. We enjoy her visits, and particularly enjoy the decreased mouse population in our house and garage.

[Equibrit]

Leave it be!

[CC1]

Yes, fox are fairly common in some of the Baltimore neighborhoods; racoons too! I much prefer the fox over the racoons.

We love our fox family. They managed to rid our barn of a nasty rat problem. The vixen would sit at the gate of the one pastures with her head on her paws just waiting for us to be finished for the night so she could come and get dinner!

We’ve never had problems with our cats or dogs with the fox. Although we have had to treat the dogs for sarcoptic mange a few times.

The screaming is alarming at first but now that I am used to it, I think it is pretty neat.

[wateryglen]

just my 2 cents!

Yes they can “tame up” easily. I think that’s why he’s not scared of you/dog etc. He’s used to the sound & commotion. There MUST be a food source in your area that you need to eliminate. Maybe your neighbors are leaving dogfood out? or garbage? I know someone whose resident fox joins in (runs outa the woods) when she calls her barn (feral) cats to the barn to be fed in the evenings. Cats & fox eat side by side. I know they will play with resident dogs too. The barking can be alarm, play, efforts to communicate to others or just for reasons unknown. I had one that used to howl at night when I didn’t leave food out for her when I’d fed her/her cubs all summer. She was clearly calling me for food!
I think I’d try to just let him live there and stop worrying. If he didn’t like it there; he’d leave. My second vote is relocation but that needs to be done by professionals. In our area we also have “wildlife rehabilitators” that can help you.

[riverbell93]

Er, I think it’s a little crazy to suggest that she leave the fox. I live in a somewhat similar area to the OP (not as urban, but a well-established suburban area that hasn’t been woods/fields for a good 100 years) and the last time a fox became ‘visible’ in the way this fox has, it was killed as a rabies threat. The OP’s neighbors will surely notice both the fox’s presence and it’s boldness, and someone will end up calling animal control.

To OP - I’d call the local animal shelters and/or vets, and ask if there are any groups/people who handle wildlife (baby birds, rabbits, deer, etc.) nearby.

[CC1]

For help, you can try Gerda. She does deal with rabies species (fox, raccoon, skunk etc.) and could hopefully, advise you on the best course of action.

Wildlife Rescue, Inc.
Hampstead, MD
Gerda Deterer
grice1911@yahoo.com
443-507-0950

[FrenchFrytheEqHorse]

THANK YOU!

[QUOTE=riverbell93;3181121]
Er, I think it’s a little crazy to suggest that she leave the fox. I live in a somewhat similar area to the OP (not as urban, but a well-established suburban area that hasn’t been woods/fields for a good 100 years) and the last time a fox became ‘visible’ in the way this fox has, it was killed as a rabies threat. The OP’s neighbors will surely notice both the fox’s presence and it’s boldness, and someone will end up calling animal control.

To OP - I’d call the local animal shelters and/or vets, and ask if there are any groups/people who handle wildlife (baby birds, rabbits, deer, etc.) nearby.[/QUOTE]

This is EXACTLY what I’m afraid will happen. A few years ago, a neighbor a few doors down caught a raccoon eating his dog’s food (outside dog dish), and not only did he NOT bother to even call AC, he shot the raccoon himself because he was afraid it had rabies.
Unfortunately, I live in an area where most people don’t appreciate wildlife, nor have any desire to coexist with it. If this fox is on MY porch, I wonder who else’s porch he’s on, and I am worried that he might end up on the wrong one. Please don’t get the wrong idea about my motives or intentions here- if this were truly a safe place for this fox (and not one where he simply FEELS safe), I wouldn’t complain. But his behavior is going to get him into trouble with someone, especially since it’s light out until around 9pm these days.
CC-
Thank you! I am going to write Gerda an email now to see if she can help or reccommend someone in my area.

[huntrpaint]

THere should be a wildlife rescue in your state that can live trap and relocate this fox, assuming he is healthy and not showing signs of rabies or any other disease. Google wildlife rescue. I know in Phoenix, they relocate coyotes, fox and other wildlife regularly.

[dawglover]

Well the sad fact is that more and more wildlife habitat is being snatched up and turned into housing developments and shopping areas.

Wildlife is having a hard time fitting into the ever smaller uninhabited areas that are still around. Hopefully you can get him removed by a compassionate wildlife rehabber that can release him in a more friendly environment.

[FrenchFrytheEqHorse]

[QUOTE=dawglover;3182407]
Well the sad fact is that more and more wildlife habitat is being snatched up and turned into housing developments and shopping areas.

Wildlife is having a hard time fitting into the ever smaller uninhabited areas that are still around. Hopefully you can get him removed by a compassionate wildlife rehabber that can release him in a more friendly environment.[/QUOTE]

This is what I am hoping. I am wondering if it would be at all possible to release him on the family farm where he would be welcomed (even on the porch), and enjoyed by everyone. I am also aware of the urban sprawl issue, which is part of the reason I live in a neighborhood in which the plumbing is so old that new building permits are being refused left and right. I purchased this property (1.5-2acres) very cheap, as it would be financially ludicrous to develop it the way the “underground” parts are laid out. If anyone is familiar with Catonsville, I live in Eden Terrace.

[Screebe]

I live in a somewhat similar neighborhood to the OP’s. Not to be an alarmist, but a couple of years back a rabid fox attacked a woman and her dog in her own backyard not too far from my home. He was subsequently killed by animal control.

I’m not advocating destroying this fox, just saying that it would certainly give me pause if I saw one boldly staring me (or my dog) down in my own backyard.