Foxes: Coexisting with Wildlife
There are two species of fox in the San Diego area, Red and Grey Foxes. The Red Fox was introduced into the area from fox fir farms and for hunting organizations. The Red Fox has been shown to be a threat to several endangered species including Clapper Rail and Least Tern. Grey Foxes are primarily nocturnal, mate for life and inhabit almost every corner of San Diego County. They have been observed in every part of our urban environment. They can be beneficial by controlling mice, rats, gophers, moles and other small rodents. A fox will not harm an adult cat, dog or human.
If there’s a fox in your yard
Foxes are common throughout San Diego County and will probably just move on.
- Keep dog food inside, secure all trash cans (eliminate trash odors too), remove fruit, clean up bird feeders and clear brush piles from property.
- If they are living in a wood pile or under the house or shed in the spring, they probably have babies (kits). Please wait until the kits are gone in about three months. The family will relocate, most often before fall, then the den can be closed off without trapping animals inside. They often return to the same den every year.
When does a fox need to come to the Project Wildlife Care Center?
If you find baby foxes that are orphaned
Wait to see if adults return as they may be off hunting for food. Both parents share in the duties of feeding their young.
If an adult has been injured
This is often a fox that has been hit by a car or caught by an animal. Use caution when handling or call SDHS dispatch or animal control (in unincorporated areas) for assistance.
If a fox is sick
Foxes are a rabies vectors, so use caution when handling. Although there have been very few cases of foxes with rabies reported in the San Diego area
If you've found an injured animal and need information on where to take it, please call: (619) 299-7012