When we think of backyard wildlife, the gray fox does not usually come to mind. However, as Georgia’s undeveloped lands are shrinking, we are seeing these fascinating animals more often in residential areas.
Recently on a cold, dark February night, as my granddaughter was driving home, she was both surprised and thrilled that she spotted a gray fox quickly darting across the road in her neighborhood. I am sure most people lucky enough to see a gray fox catches a glimpse of one in a similar fashion. However, they are also showing up on security cameras as they scoot across backyards.
Since suitable den sites are becoming increasingly more difficult for gray foxes to find, they sometimes will try to raise their young in backyards beneath porches and outbuildings.
If you are wondering how to respond, if a pair of gray foxes decides to raise their young close to your house, here are a few tips offered by the New York Department of Environmental Conservation:
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Do nothing. Enjoy watching fox kits grow up and play in your yard.
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Scare the family away. Making loud noises near the den could convince the parents to move their young to a new den. Gray foxes typically have more than one den and will move their young if they perceive a threat.
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Remove artificial food sources. Feed pets indoors and secure any garbage or compost stored outside.
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Erect a fence around your yard or block holes or areas which fox may find desirable to make a den. Make sure that the animals are not inside your yard or den before blocking it off.