While there are at least a dozen types of foxes, only two are found in our service area: the red fox and the grey fox. Therefore, we will concentrate on how to deal with these breeds if they become a nuisance.
Foxes Native to Maryland and the Surrounding States
Red and gray foxes roam throughout North America. Along with dogs, foxes are part of the canine family. Foxes have a bushy tail, long pointed muzzles, and large pointed ears. Red foxes have light orangish-red body fur with black legs and a white-tipped tail. Meanwhile, gray foxes have a salt-and-pepper pelt and tan undercoat, along with a black-tipped tail.
Gray foxes can climb trees and like heavy cover, such as that found in swamps, forests, and brush along streams and rivers. Conversely, red foxes like open woodlands around farmlands. Both species become active at dawn and dusk and are primarily nocturnal. However, both red and gray foxes may also forage in daylight hours, especially if it’s mating season.
Foxes Are Opportunists
Both types of foxes live in dens in rocky outcrops, hollow trees, and brush piles. They sometimes make a home under decks and sheds. This behavior is when they become a problem for their human neighbors.
As opportunistic feeders, they eat birds, eggs, small mammals, insects, poultry, and fruit. They also raid chicken coops, garbage, and pet food left outside, and may attack pet guinea pigs and rabbits. Mating season takes place in December through February, producing litters of three to six pups. They move the pups every few weeks to hide them from predators. Therefore, we consider the breeding season when implementing a nuisance control strategy to avoid orphaned young.
Foxes adapt well to urban environments. Nonetheless, they fear humans and avoid them unless habituated. That’s why it’s important not to feed them or attempt to interact with them. Typically, this increases aggressive behavior and may put pets and small children at risk.
Do Foxes Carry Diseases?
In rare cases, these types of foxes carry rabies. So, if you or a pet gets bitten, see the doctor or veterinarian right away. Additionally, foxes can develop mange — a parasitic skin disease that both people and animals can contract. If your dog or cat has been in contact with a fox with missing fur and peeling skin, contact your veterinarian.
Other Types of Foxes
Of 37 types of foxes, just 12 are part of the genus Vulpes, which are true foxes.
Besides red and gray foxes, the best-known species include:
- Arctic Foxes: In the winter, the Arctic fox turns bright white to blend in with the snow.
- Fennec Foxes: These animals are tiny but have very large ears. Its tail extends to 75% of the length of its body.
- Kit Foxes: This fox has a slender body, and very large ears atop a large head make it easy to recognize. Its bushy tail has a black tip, while its body is gray.
- Swift Foxes: This small species has a striking appearance. It is light brown with orange highlights. With white and black areas on their body, they are easy to spot.
Fox Removal in MD, PA, DE, and DC.
If you are looking for fast, humane animal removal control solutions, you’ve come to the right place. Mid-Atlantic Wildlife Control helps clients rid their property of all nuisance wildlife.
Mid-Atlantic Wildlife Control provides humane pest removal services in Pennsylvania, D.C., Delaware, and Maryland. The counties we serve include Anne Arundel County, Howard County, Baltimore County, Carroll County, and Frederick County. Along with many other critters, we can relocate foxes that have become a pest. Do you need squirrel removal in Gaithersburg or Bethesda bat removal? Whether critters have taken over your walls, chimney, attic, roof, or other areas, we can remove them safely and as humanely as possible.
Here are some of the animals we specialize in removing:
We hire trained wildlife control technicians to remove invasive pests from your home or business in Delaware, Maryland, DC, or Pennsylvania. Our services include damage repairs, nesting site removal, and installation of a barrier to prevent further incursions.