Wildlife

Wildlife: Urban Fox Welfare and Coexistence

Urban foxes have adapted to city living but face unique welfare challenges from traffic, mange, snares and human conflict.

Key Facts

Urban fox populations have increased significantly in UK cities since 1940s
Mange caused by Sarcoptes mites causes severe skin disease and slow death
Fox cubs have high mortality rates with many dying in first year
Foxes are legally protected but can be controlled by landowners
Fox snaring for rabbit or pheasant protection can inadvertently catch urban foxes

Welfare Considerations

Mange causes severe chronic suffering including intense itching, hair loss and secondary infections before death without treatment. Rehabilitating foxes with mange is possible with ivermectin treatment. Snare capture of urban foxes causes acute stress and injury. Legal fox hunting was banned in 2004.

What You Can Do

If you see a mangy fox contact a local wildlife rescue for treatment advice
Never set snares where urban foxes are present
Secure food waste properly to reduce fox-human conflict
Support wildlife rehabilitation organisations that treat urban foxes