If the fox were rabid, he would not still be showing up and looking healthy. We had an outbreak of rabies in foxes, cats and raccoons, a number of years back. Most of the rabid foxes died days after they came down with rabies symptoms. This is the rationale behind 10 day quarantines of dogs and cats after they bite someone. A fox can come down with rabies at any time, (unless someone gives him vaccine). We were unable to get the oral vaccine, despite our numerous cases of animal rabies and numerous neighbors who had to get vaccine for themselves after bites. If anyone knows how to get the oral rabies vaccine, please post it or PM me.
[QUOTE=wateryglen;3181046]
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.[/QUOTE]
I wouldn’t worry about your dog or the cat - my sister has a fox that actually calls for her dog to come out and play :yes: They romp all over and then the fox just goes on home until the next day. He’s never bothered her cats either. I think he comes and eats the cat food too. She lives in a wooded area where the houses are all on an acre or more and there is a horse farm next door so he is safe.
If you really think your neighbors will have the fox killed, for his sake, you should get him relocated to your family’s farm. Of course, now that it is spring, you better make sure it is not a female fox with kits somewhere who will starve if mom suddenly goes missing.
we live in suburban neighborhood with about a 100 acres of a marsh and swamp preserve behind our property . The horses are quite used to seeing a fox or coyote come into the field . About a month ago we did have a young coyote come out during the day. My ever curious gelding walked right up to him but he wasn’t sticking around (good sign). I thought he was gone.
About 20 minutes later I went out with the dogs and suddenly I had a hound in full cry with my black lab (crossed with ??) right with him. Off they went. I was able to call them off after a few minutes. Fortunately my poor dogs had gone for a 2.5 hour walk that am and Chucky the hound was VERY tired. I’ve not seen him since although I’m sure he’s out there.
THere is a fox den closer to our home along the sides of a retention ditch. They come out at night and do a neighborhood prowl. I do keep the cat in at night. I’m sure as long as they are getting food the larger prey isn’t as much of an option. However, it’s not worth taking the chances. Yes, I’ m surprised I have both fox and coyote relatively close. But I think with our little hunting incident we have likely assured the fox a place to stay. We’ll see .
I too would love to know about the oral rabies. Better safe …even if I do vaccinate yearly for rabies.
