10/09/2026
Today's Field Day Friday is about foxes. Animal Control has received an increase in calls recently regarding foxes in certain neighborhoods-- particularly concerning foxes with patchy fur or appearing a bit scruffy. While it can be alarming to see, here is a quick guide to what's happening, what's normal, and how you can keep your yard wildlife-safe!
What's Normal (and What's Not)
-- Coat changes and Sarcoptic Mange: In the fall, foxes naturally transition their coats for colder weather. However, some foxes may contract sarcoptic mange (caused by microscopic mites), leading to hair loss, scaly skin, and a ragged appearance. While mange requires treatment from local wildlife rehabilitators if severe, a fox with mild hair loss can still be remarkably resilient.
-- Typical Behavior: Foxes are primarily nocturnal and crepuscular (most active at dawn and dusk). Seeing one during the day does not mean it is rabid; they frequently forage during daylight hours, especially when raising young or hunting for food. They are generally shy, elusive, and prefer to avoid humans entirely.
Tips to Make Your Yard Less Inviting
-- Secure all food sources: never intentionally feed foxes. Secure outdoor trash cans with tight-fitting lids, bring pet food indoors at night, and clean up fallen fruit or birdseed from the ground.
-- Eliminate hiding spots: foxes love quiet, secure places to rest or raise kits. Clear away dense brush, seal off crawl spaces beneath decks, sheds, and porches, and keep woodpiles elevated.
-- Use deterrents: motion-activated sprinklers or outdoor lighting can startle curious wildlife and encourage them to move along safely.
Note: healthy wild foxes pose very little threat to humans or large pets, but always keep small pets supervised outdoors and maintain a respectful distance if you encounter wildlife in your neighborhood!