Springtime is upon us, which means baby animal season! You may be lucky enough to see some baby foxes this spring!
Foxes give birth to litters of three to six kits each spring. They nest in dens in the ground and both parents help raise the babies. While the kits are still growing, their parents may leave them alone for periods of time. The parents are usually out hunting for food for the family. As long as the kits are playing and appear healthy, there is no need to be concerned; their parents will return. However, if the kits appear sick or injured or if you know for a fact that they have been orphaned, contact DC Animal Care and Control at (202) 576-6664 or your local animal control agency.
What about adult foxes?
Don’t be concerned if you see a fox active during the day; it is normal behavior. However, if you find one that is injured or exhibiting unusual behavior, such as circling, acting disoriented, or exhibiting unprovoked aggression, please contact DC Animal Care and Control at (202) 576-6664 or your local animal control agency.
Unfortunately, since foxes can contract rabies, City Wildlife is not licensed to rehabilitate them; however, we can answer any questions you may have regarding foxes. Just give us a call at (202) 882-1000.
Conflict with Foxes
In order to help prevent human-wildlife conflict with foxes and other animals, do not leave pets outside unattended, do not leave pet food outside, and secure garbage cans.
In order to deter a fox from an area, use loud noises, unpleasant smells, and frightening visuals (such as large balloons) to make the area appear unsafe and uninviting.
Foxes are fascinating creatures and we can easily co-exist with them in the city.
We recently noticed a fox and 4 kits in our brush pile. They would come out a play a few times during the day. But today I looked this morning and I saw 8 kits all playing and then I did see one parent leave to the left and one parent come from the right to watch the kits play. So is that one family or two different females