Foxes are very intelligent, cunning and wily predators. They are constantly in search of food, and are excellent hunters and foragers.
Foxes are found all over the world, and come in a variety of different species, sizes and variations. However, the most common fox is the red fox, which can be found in every single continent except Antarctica!
Whilst most foxes live in rural, wooded areas and the wilderness, they have been known to wander into urban, and suburban areas, in which case they may end up coming into contact with humans.
Some humans may try to feed foxes, or coax them into eating out of their hands, whereas others are terrified of coming into contact with a fox due to their cunning, sly and ferocious nature.
So, what do you do if a fox approaches or attacks you? This guide will explore whether a fox will attack you, what to do if one approaches you, and how to handle the situation.
Will a fox attack you?
Typically, foxes are not a danger to humans, and will not go out of their way to attack anyone. They normally feed on small mammals or livestock, and usually only attack when hunting or when threatened.
However, there have been some reported cases of fox attacks on humans, children and small pets such as cats and dogs. With this in mind, it is important to know what to do if a fox approaches you, or if one tries to attack you.
Foxes can be domesticated, but they are mainly wild animals that should be avoided. This is why they can be prone to attack when cornered or if they feel under threat. So, are foxes friendly to humans or not?
Are foxes friendly to humans?
In some cases, foxes can be friendly and not a threat towards humans. Some people even have domesticated foxes as pets. However, they are wild animals, and can be very unpredictable.
Foxes are known to revert to their wild side, and can attack without a moment’s notice if they feel cornered, threatened, hungry or scared.
They are also very naturally fearful of humans, and see us as a threat to them. It is for these reasons that you should never try to approach a fox, even if it seems docile and friendly, as they can snap within seconds!
What to do if a fox approaches you
If a fox approaches you, you should always leave it well alone. Do not make any sudden movements, or try to go closer to the fox as this can aggravate it or scare it.
Most of the time, if a fox sees a human nearby, it will scamper away or run and hide, but if for some reason you are stuck in a standoff with a fox, it is best to back off, and leave it be.
The main reasons that foxes come near you or your home is because they are in search of food. Foxes are scavengers, and will eat a vast range of foods from small mammals like rabbits, mice, or birds, to livestock such as chickens and ducks. In addition, they will search for food such as eggs, nuts, and fruits, but may also rummage through your trash can looking for scraps to finish off.
This can become a problem, especially if you have chickens or small pets in your backyard, as foxes can sometimes kill all of the chickens, and only leave with one or two as it will have gotten its fill out of those.
This can be very frustrating, and you may be worried about other pets that you have in the backyard such as small dogs or even cats that could come into contact with the wily fox.
Foxes will avoid humans at all costs, unless there is a food source nearby. Therefore, you will need to ensure that there are ample fences and security measures around your chickens, bird feeders, fruit trees, trash cans and other places where the fox might find its next meal.
If a fox still tries to approach you, or you come across more foxes nearby, then give them a wide berth, and leave them well alone! Do not approach them, and do not attempt to feed them, especially by hand!
If you are in a situation where the fox cannot escape, such as a room that it has gotten into, then you should remain calm as it may attack if you start yelling or picnicking.
All you need to do is stay silent, stand well away from the animal, and give the fox an escape route. Try not to block doors or windows as the fox may feel trapped, and just leave it to run away.
However, if you are in the unfortunate situation where a fox has attacked you, you should know what to do.
What to do if a fox attacks you
If you are attacked or bitten by a fox, then remain calm. Do not let pets off a leash to go after them, and leave the fox to run away. If the fox is reluctant to leave you alone, then try clapping to scare them off.
If you have been bitten, then you will need to ensure that the wound is cleansed and disinfected. You should also seek medical attention as foxes can be known to carry rabies infections.
Therefore, head to your local medical center or hospital to be treated properly, and call your local animal control agency to report the incident!
