Foxes visiting gardens are "relatively harmless" and usually pass through unnoticed, according to the RSPCA, which has issued guidance on coexisting with the animals or gently encouraging them to move on.
Feeding Foxes Responsibly
Dr Rebecca Machin, wildlife expert with the RSPCA, said: "Most of the time foxes pass through gardens unnoticed, leaving little to no damage or destruction. There are occasional signs they may have visited, from fox poo in your garden to mating sounds."
For those keen to support foxes, leaving out food is an option, but Dr Machin advised speaking to neighbours first. She said: "If you do decide to leave out food for foxes, talk to your neighbours first so they're aware. Explain to them that foxes are shy, mostly nighttime visitors that won't pose a risk to them, their children, pets or garden, ensuring you plan to feed them responsibly."
Making Gardens Wildlife-Friendly
Dr Machin suggested ways to make green spaces welcoming to wildlife without causing conflict. She said: "There are ways to make your garden wildlife-friendly without causing conflict, such as providing a water source, or planting trees and shrubs. A range of wild animals will appreciate a pond if you have space. A key thing to welcome wildlife is to avoid fake lawns and large areas of hardstanding, as they don't provide any space for homes or food."
Humane Ways to Deter Foxes
For those who would rather keep foxes away, Dr Machin said: "Foxes rarely cause much damage to gardens, but for those who would rather not share their garden with them, there are ways to remove access to shelters, including keeping your garage and shed doors closed, as well as blocking areas beneath decking or sheds."
However, she stressed the importance of checking before sealing areas: "Always check to see if the existing den is being used first and, if it is, don't block access. It's safest to do this during autumn and winter so you don't accidentally trap cubs into a den."
UK wildlife protection laws mean you cannot interfere with a fox den that is in use or block it off. For those unsure whether a den is occupied, Dr Machin explained: "If you are concerned about a fox den, the most important thing is not to block the entrance while it is being used. If you're unsure whether a den is occupied, you can loosely cover the entrance with sticks or a small amount of loose soil and see if it becomes disturbed later. If the material is moved, the den is still being used. If it remains undisturbed for several days, this may indicate that the den is empty, so you can pack the hole more thoroughly with soil."
