Red foxes thrive at the margins of urban and suburban environments. They are commonly seen in natural areas, drainage corridors, golf courses, parks, vacant lots and cemeteries. Red foxes have an exceptionally adaptable diet, preying not only on mice, voles, snakes, insects, and pigeons, but also foraging for fruits, seeds, carrion, and garbage. Red fox behavior is shaped by its natural instinct and by human opportunity created in its environment.
While many people enjoy watching foxes, intentional or unintentional feeding can bring these wild canines a bit too close for comfort. If your neighborhood is experiencing an increase in fox sightings and interactions, it may be time to think about outfoxing your local foxes.
The best way to avoid negative interactions with red foxes is to keep your local red foxes wild. Here are some tips for outfoxing your local foxes:
NEVER feed foxes, either purposefully or indirectly. Foxes that are fed by humans lose their fear of humans and can become a nuisance to neighbors and a danger to small, unattended pets.
If you see or suspect someone is feeding foxes, immediately contact Aurora Parks and Open Space Naturalist staff at 303-739-7160. Do not leave pet food outside, day or night. Store all trash in secure containers and do not leave trash out on the curb overnight.
NEVER encourage foxes to come near you or into your yard. Remove backyard attractants such as fallen fruit, bird seed, pet food and unenclosed compost. Haze red foxes out of your yard by shouting, banging on pots and pans, or tossing objects (not food) adjacent to the fox. Repel foxes from areas using ammonia soaked rags or mothballs. Wildlife regulations prohibit the trapping and relocation of red foxes.
PROTECT pets from foxes. NEVER allow pets to play with foxes. Keep pet immunizations current. Do not allow cats to roam freely; foxes occasionally prey on cats at large.
If you have questions or concerns about fox behavior in your neighborhood, please contact Aurora naturalist staff at
nature@auroragov.org.