Urban foxes are a successful and divisive wildlife species in British cities. Their welfare is affected by human conflict, road mortality, and management interventions that are often poorly targeted.
Foxes subject to culling operations often survive with non-fatal injuries causing prolonged suffering. Mange caused by Sarcoptes mites causes intense itching, hair loss, and eventual death if untreated. Foxes habituated to human contact due to direct feeding face greater risk from road traffic and conflict with humans. Cubs separated from mothers are frequently brought to wildlife rescue centres unnecessarily. Anti-social fox behaviour is almost always linked to deliberate human feeding that should stop rather than lead to management action.