I understand your position, and I’m just trying to illustrate why some people might hate foxes (personally, I don’t hate them - I just dislike people encouraging them into urban areas where they cause damage, disease and nuisance).
The point about attitudes and conservation is an interesting one. My sister is a marine biologist and conservationist.
When she led a ecology project out in Belize, one of the key priorities of her project was to reduce the population of lionfish. Lionfish are an invasive, poisonous species that had overrun local populations of fish and marine life, causing multiple extinctions, and generally hurting biodiversity and fish stock. So part of my sister’s work was educating local people about the problems caused by lionfish, arranging for them to be culled, and also teaching local people how to remove the lionfish spines so that they could be safely cooked and eaten.
Basically, “demonising” (as you put it) the lionfish.
This was a difficult remit for an ardent vegetarian and do-no-harm type like my sister. But she recognised it was vital to preserve other life, and to redress a natural balance.
Yes, I can see that and of course there are species that can be damaging and control is needed for biodiversity purposes - much like deer for forest regeneration and habitat creation for capercaillie and wild cats in Scotland. I just don’t think urban foxes fall into that category.
However, there are cases where rural foxes do fall into this category and this is in the case of foxes predating on rare ground nesting birds on some RSPB reserves, where measures have been taken to control them, to protect these birds.
Foxes have been spreading into urban areas since after the second world war and there are now thought to be up to 10,000 foxes in London alone. Whilst there is more food here, that has always been the case and experts believe this is more down to the way suburbs have trailed out in to the countryside between both world wars, providing the perfect habitat for foxes. So I don’t think people have intentionally encouraged them into our cities. It seems they are here to stay and maybe we should find a way of getting along with them or at least tolerating them. I believe most of the common grievances against them are easily remedied so hopefully we can live in harmony.
I appreciate being able to have a good mature discussion Chris, so thank you
A few weeks ago I found a poorly fox in my garden with a bad case of mange. I had heard that if you contact the National Fox Welfare Society and fill out an online form they send you free mange treatment. So I did that but it didn’t arrive and the mange was getting worse. I read up a bit more about it and found out that mange will kill a fox if left untreated within four months, and it won’t be pleasant. I was also worried as it was very cold and I wasn’t sure the fox would be able to regulate his temperature with a big bald patch.
I was pointed to the Mama Cat Trust - a London charity who deals with cat and fox rescue. I sent them pictures and they were great and came out and gave me the medicine straight away, which you slip in a jam sandwich. Two doses are needed 10 days apart. The fox has now had both doses and three weeks later his fur has started to slowly grow back and it looks much less sore.
Also Mama Cat Trust are always looking for fox rescue volunteers and have monthly meetings to find out what it is about. I will be starting next year along with training how to rehabilitate swifts!
Cats only bury their poo if they are a subordinate in the area. If a cat thinks it is TC, then it will just place its stool in the most prominent position possible to mark its territory. In the past, this has frequently been on top of herbs in our kitchen garden which is quite revolting. Foxes help with this as they will take over as dominant in the area. This has certainly happened to us and though it sometimes means dealing with fox crap instead, this is generally less repulsive to deal with and just sited on the lawn typically. In any case, have no issue with tidying up after a wild animal - someone else’s pet is a different matter.
Getting pretty fed up with the foxes coming in our house of an evening.having to close the patio doors each time you leave the room for a minute is a complete pain. Tried keeping a water pistol to hand, and sprinkling urine near where they enter the garden but neither truck appears to work. Suggestions please?
Not sure if you meant to reply directly to me but I can’t help I’m afraid!
Whilst I am a fan of foxes generally I would not like that and it does not sound right - I wonder if Lewisham council could help? Certainly no good of they are doing that, especially in houses where there might be young children.
This might not be practical but could you borrow a dog for a bit? I wonder if the dog being there and / Or the smell would put them off?
Found a badly injured fox in our work and The Fox Project came down and are now taking care of him. A good port of call if you find an injured fox in the area. They were with us within an hour.
Just don’t feed them!