Birthing: 3-8 pups in March-May
Eyes opened: 10-14 days
Weaning (beg-end): 5-8 weeks
Active: Nighttime or daytime; may come close to houses; year-round
Diet: Rodents, birds, small mammals, fruits, insects
Foxes
Red foxes are 7-15 pounds while gray foxes are 11-12 pounds. Red foxes have a white-tipped tail while gray foxes have a gray-tipped tail.
Foxes FAQ’s
There’s a healthy-looking fox cub in my yard. Does it need to be rescued?
Unless you know for sure that the mother and father have been killed or disappeared, it is better to observe the situation. Both parents will mind the babies, and as long as the babies are not still nursing, young foxes can grow up with only their fathers to care for them. Foxes have more than one den site and often move the kits around. Foxes are very sensitive to scent. If a kit becomes separated from the adult, the adult will return to get it if it does not have human scent on it, and humans are not close. Leave the kit alone to give the parent a chance to retrieve it undisturbed. Use gloves if the kit must be moved out of harm’s way. Return periodically to assess the situation. If the parent has not retrieved the kit in two hours, call the Helpline.
How should I capture a sick adult fox?
The public should not handle adult foxes. They can be dangerous and they carry numerous parasites and diseases. Contact the Helpline if the fox is acting in an unusual manner. NOTE: Foxes are susceptible to sarcoptic mange, the skin mite condition which dogs can also have. Symptoms are sometimes confused with rabies. The fox will be miserable and itching, may have patchy fur, and may be starving to death or acting unusual. Mange is treatablePlease call the Helpline.
A fox comes into my yard during the day. Why?
More about foxes
Mange in Foxes
Mange is threatening Virginia foxes. Learn the signs of mange, why it’s dangerous, and what to do if you encounter an affected fox.
Helpline Volunteer Dream Come True
Helpline Volunteer Dream Come True I can’t say how many times as a helpline volunteer, I received a call from someone who was concerned that a fox had babies under their deck or shed. I believe I convinced many of those callers to leave the family alone and enjoy the...
The Fox and the Hound
A dog plays a star role in this real-life story of a fox rescue. One of our recent rescues puts a different spin on the old tale of the Fox and the Hound. It was a spring day when a couple in Fauquier County became a part of a fox rescue, all thanks to the instincts...
The Hidden Dangers and Effects of Feeding Wildlife
The Hidden Dangers and Effects of Feeding Wildlife: A Call for Responsible Interaction The allure of engaging with wildlife is tempting to many. Most people who feed wildlife think they are helping out, but in reality, they could be harming the very animals they love....
Fox Sightings During the Day: To Call or Not to Call?
An increase of fox sightings during the day in Virginia spike concern in residents. However, is their concern valid? There are two types of foxes in Virginia: red foxes (above) and gray foxes (below). According to Melissa Stanley, Executive Director and Founder of the...
Foxes – Red and Gray
By Erika Yery, Licensed Wildlife RehabilitatorUrban foxes are model citizens. Their good record comes from notable fox traits, foremost of which is timidity. I receive calls from homeowners worried about foxes attacking their children and cats. A fox weighing 12...
If you are not certain what to do, call the wildlife Helpline: 703-440-0800
If you live outside Northern Virginia, please see the Resources Page for assistance.
