Foxes, like many wild animals, are not naturally aggressive towards humans, dogs, or cats. In fact, foxes are likely to run away from domestic animals or ignore them altogether. So, will a fox attack a dog or cat?
While foxes are not inclined to attack a dog or cat, that does not mean it will never happen. It is important to be aware of any potential risks that may lead to a fox attack if you want to keep your dogs and cats safe.
Rabies
While rabies is not highly common for foxes, they are primary carriers of the disease. Foxes account for about 7% of all reported cases of rabies.
When foxes are rabid, they are more likely to become violent and attack dogs, cats, and other animals. That is why it is important to know the signs and be able to identify a rabid animal.
The most common signs of rabies in foxes include partial paralysis, staggering, self-mutilation, or acting either unnaturally aggressive or tame. If you see a fox exhibiting any of these actions or behaviors, make sure you and your pets are keeping a safe distance.
Protecting Young
Aside from personal protection, protecting their young is another instinctual reason that may result in a fox attacking a dog or cat. Foxes are known to be extremely protective of their young given the fact that pups tend to live with their parents until they are seven months old.
After mating season is over, pregnant females tend to build nests and burrows in order to have their babies in a safe place. These shelters are normally underground or in a hollow tree, but sometimes foxes find their way onto properties with old sheds or underneath decks.
If you have a pregnant fox or fox family living on your property, pet owners should keep their dogs and cats away from the nest at all times. Even if the dog or cat is not outwardly acting threatening or aggressive towards the fox and her young, the fox might attack the domestic animal in order to protect their pups at all costs.
Threatened
Surviving in the wild is a tough job for any wild animal. For foxes, surviving means protecting themselves when they feel threatened or cornered by other animals.
To avoid unnecessary confrontation, pet owners should keep their animals on a leash whenever out in public. That way, if you do encounter a fox, your dog or cat will not be able to run away from you in chase of the wild animal. Owners should also start walking in the opposite direction of the fox – if the fox feels like it has no way to escape, then the chances of it attacking will increase.
Have A Fox Problem? Call the Experts at Shumaker Animal Control
If you think you have a fox problem on your property, call the experts at Shumaker Animal Control to deal with the problem for you. Our experienced team will take care of the problem in a timely manner, ensuring that your home and pets are not in any danger.
At Shumaker Animal Control, we are a family-owned business who cares about the safety of you and your family but also about the well-being of the animals themselves. All of our trapping and control methods are humane, as we never try to hurt the angry or scared animal.
Call us at 443-854-8072, visit our website or fill out our contact form for more information.
