Foxes

Foxes are highly intelligent, fascinating creatures that are incredibly similar in behaviour and personality to our own dogs. You will often catch them playing with dog toys left in the garden.

General Information

Foxes are often misunderstood and blamed for predation on livestock and other animals, but they play a vital role in controlling local vermin populations. Conflicts with humans usually arise from habitat loss, road crossings, and hunting practices. Unfortunately, foxes in Ireland are classified as a “pest” species and have no legal protection, leaving them vulnerable to inhumane hunting methods, such as being chased and killed by packs of dogs. While protecting livestock is understandable, ethical approaches are encouraged over hunting with dogs.

Common Injuries

• Road Traffic Injuries: These include broken bones and head trauma.
• Orphaned Cubs: Mothers often forage far from their dens and may not return due to injury or death, leaving starving cubs to search for help.
• Abandoned Cubs: Mothers sometimes temporarily leave a cub while moving the litter. Watch from a distance before intervening, as your presence may deter her return.
• Hunting and Snaring: These incidents frequently cause severe injuries to foxes.

Handling Injured Foxes

Always seek professional advice before handling a fox. If necessary, use a thick towel and gloves to carefully cover the head and move the fox into a pet carrier with a towel for grip. Avoid attempting to care for a fox yourself; contact a vet or wildlife rehabilitator immediately.

Foxes as Pets

While foxes can be domesticated to some extent, keeping them as pets is not recommended. They have strong wild instincts, are highly destructive, and release a strong odor. Domesticated foxes often struggle when released into the wild, as they lack survival skills, leading to starvation or death. It is always better to contact a rehabber for guidance when dealing with orphaned or injured foxes.