Foxes are normally wary and unlikely to approach humans. However, foxes in residential areas may be threats to cats and small dogs. Keep your cats indoors and don't allow your dogs to roam. Foxes in rural areas may prey on poultry and small pets.
In the event that a fox, dog or other wild animal is presenting an immediate threat to public safety, residents are encouraged to call the Police at 911 or Animal Services at 905-574-3433.
Foxes and our community
The fox is a natural inhabitant of rural areas and urban areas near ravines and wooded regions. They provide benefits to agricultural, and urban areas by assisting in the control of small mammals such as mice, rabbits, groundhogs and woodchucks. Foxes are very active at dusk, dawn, and throughout the night, but can be seen sunning during the day. They also will be seen more during the day when they are feeding their kits.
If left undisturbed, foxes will sometimes make a den in residential areas, under decks, sheds, or where there are a lot of bushes or shrubs. Remove piles of rock, wood or debris as they attract small animals such as mice. Mice, rodents and rabbits comprise of foxes diet, in addition to unsecured garbage.
Threat of rabies
All warm blooded animals are potential carriers of the virus. People should never attempt to touch a fox or pick up their babies.
Protect children and pets
- Never leave children unattended.
- Educate children to not approach or harass any wildlife or unfamiliar domestic pets. This will reduce the risk of bites or exposure to certain diseases.
- Keep cats indoors at all times and keep dogs on short leashes or enclosed in your yard.
- Allowing pets to roam at large increases their risk of injury by wild animals, other domestic animals, and traffic. City of Hamilton by-laws prohibit dogs and cats from running at large.
What to do if you see a Fox
If your home is near a wooded area, ravine, along lakeshores, beaches or a new residential area where foxes have been established it is not unusual to see a fox. There are only a few documented cases of foxes attacking people in Ontario. Foxes are protected under Ontario Law.
If you are walking in an area known to have fox activity here are some suggestions:
- Carry a personal audible alarm and flashlight or umbrella (which can be used to scare them off)
- If you are approached by a fox, stay calm and wait until they move on. You can make yourself appear larger and shout or clap your hands together or make some other loud noise to scare them off. Do not run.
How to keep foxes off your property
- To prevent foxes from entering your yard, enclose it with a solid fence preferably 1.8 metres in height.
- Ensure composters are animal proof and discourage rodents. Take your green bin and garbage containers and bags to the curb the morning of pick-up and not set out all week.
- Remove pet food left outside.
- Avoid composting meat products. The smell of the meat composting will attract the animals to your property.
- Do not approach or feed foxes. Foxes are wild animals, however can become more comfortable with humans as a result of regular contact. There may be more contact between foxes and humans if they are fed or otherwise encouraged to stay near residential areas.
- Remove bird feeders as they also attract squirrels and rodents, which may attract foxes.
- Use motion-sensitive lights in yards or gardens. Well-lit yards or the use of motion- sensitive lighting will make a property less attractive for foxes and other nocturnal wildlife.
