As August arrives, social media has been flooded with questions about how to make gardens more inviting for foxes. The RSPCA says one of the simplest ways to encourage the timid animals to visit is to leave out tinned cat or dog food, which is rich in the protein they need.
According to the animal welfare charity, foxes are omnivores and eat a varied diet of meat, insects, fruit and plants. They are capable of finding their own food, but an occasional meal can be beneficial if it is offered responsibly.
Should you build a fox shelter?
The guidance follows a Reddit user asking whether it would be worth building a small house for a family of foxes living at the end of their garden.
"I've had a resident family of foxes live at the back of my garden for many years now and was wondering if it would be a good idea to build them a sort of little house to live in," they wrote.
"It would mostly be a fun project to do, but is this a stupid idea for any reasons I'm missing? Would this do more harm than good? Would they just not care about it at all?"
How to feed foxes safely
For those who simply want to attract foxes, the RSPCA suggests leaving out modest portions of tinned cat or dog food. Fruit such as blueberries, cherries, apples, figs and pears can also be offered.
Occasional treats like cheese and peanuts should be given sparingly, as foxes can be lactose intolerant. The charity also advises letting neighbours know before putting food out, noting that foxes are timid, mostly nocturnal and unlikely to pose a threat to people or pets.
What not to give foxes
Grapes and raisins should never be offered because they are poisonous to foxes, the RSPCA warns. Meat bones should also be avoided, as they can cause choking or severe internal damage.
It is equally important not to put out excessive amounts of food, since foxes should never become reliant on humans. Junk food and sweets are off the menu too, as they do not provide the nutrition foxes need.
Finally, foxes should never be hand-fed. Encouraging them to become too comfortable around people could put them in danger later on.
Birds need careful feeding too
In a separate warning, the RSPB has advised people not to fill bird bowls once in the morning and leave the food sitting out all day. Slowly adding smaller amounts throughout the day is better, because bird food left in summer sun can spoil and put visiting wildlife at risk.
The RSPB also recommends slow feeding, providing fresh water and creating shady spots where birds can take shelter.
