How urban red foxes navigate city environments and how human attitudes and management approaches affect their welfare.
Urban foxes occupy a complex welfare space in human society - some residents delight in their presence while others consider them pests. The welfare challenges they face are real: vehicle mortality, mange, persecution, and the risks that come from food-conditioning by well-meaning residents. The most welfare-positive management approach is coexistence that does not increase dependence on humans - providing secure environments and reducing vehicle mortality risk where possible, treating mange humanely when encountered, and avoiding persecution of animals that cause minimal harm. Community-based approaches that build understanding and tolerance for foxes have more lasting welfare benefits than control programs.