Cape Fear could see more fox sightings as pups leave dens searching for food

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — If you’re seeing more foxes in your neighborhood, there’s a reason.

Young foxes, called kits or pups, are maturing and spending more time outside of their den and that’s why sightings of them and adult foxes are more likely.

North Carolina is actually home to two species: the gray fox and the red fox.

“Red foxes were brought here by Europeans so they have been here long enough to be considered a native species,” said Christopher Kent, a wildlife biologist for the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission.

Both are relatively small canids, standing 12 to 16 inches high at the shoulder and weighing between 7 to 15 pounds, smaller than a standard Labrador Retriever.

The reason why foxes may be more active now is because they’re starting to leave their den, but there’s another reason why more people may be seeing them now.

“Due to COVID 19 there’s a lot more people home these days and noticing them more,” Kent said.

Development throughout the Cape Fear region may also be forcing foxes from their natural habitat.

“Along our coast we have a beautiful area here, we’ve got terrific weather, many people want to move to this area so our coast has seen unprecedented development over the years,” Kent said. “As neighborhoods are built, forest cleared, and highways and bypasses built, that can also push wildlife out of those areas into residential areas.”

Foxes, raccoons, opossums, skunks and cayotes have adapted to live right amongst our houses. Kent says they often come near our homes due to available food sources.

“Many people may have outdoor pets and they may leave cat food or dog food out on their back porch or in the back yard at all times so their pets have food, water bowls, bird feeders that drop seed on the ground that might attract squirrels–there’s a lot of food sources people often have around their houses,” Kent said.

Here are some tips to discourage foxes and other wildlife from coming near your home:

• Never offer them food.
• Feed pets indoors whenever possible.
• Secure garbage in containers.
• Keep bird-feeder areas clean.
• Clear fallen fruit from trees.
• Close crawl spaces under sheds.
• Install sturdy fencing.

Kent also suggests talking with your neighbors before putting any type of grain or food out to feed wild animals.

“To be respectful I would encourage you to ask your neighbors are you ok if I put some corn out to feed the animals, and if not, be respectful of that,” Kent said.

If you don’t want these animals in your yard, there are things you can do to scare them away.

“Making loud noises, banging pots and pans, throwing something in their direction, spraying them with a garden hose–things like that are not going to hurt the animals but will teach them to respect humans and to be fearful of humans,” Ken said. “Down the road, that can be very beneficial for that animal so they don’t get in trouble by getting attacked by a dog or hit by a car in neighborhoods.”

In North Carolina, it is illegal to live-trap animals like foxes and relocate them in part to prevent the unintentional spread of diseases. Any removals require that the animal be humanely euthanized.

To report problems with wildlife, contact the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission at 866-318-2401.