See Red Foxes? Leave 'Em Alone

Have you spotted foxes around town?

Several Massachusetts residents have reported sightings of red foxes and their young offspring, known as "kits." And that's not unusual, says the director of the wildlife clinic at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine.

"Red foxes are increasing in population all over, including suburban areas," said Flo Tseng, director of the wildlife clinic. "Mating season is usually early spring, and females are pregnant for 50-51 days before giving birth. So, you're likely to see youngsters out there."

"Kits are youngsters, and they're not as smart about being around people," Tseng said. "The main thing to do is just leave them alone."

Usually, the kits' mother should be nearby.

Common sense should dictate behavior around these wild animals, just as it would other wildlife, Tseng said. Though a fox isn't as likely to have rabies as, say, a raccoon, they should still be avoided. 

They're also unlikely to go after small domestic pets: though they will defend themselves if provoked by another animal, Tseng noted.

Grafton Police Chief Normand A. Crepeau Jr. said his department has only received a few calls for fox or coyote sightings. Police follow guidelines from the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and note that the best thing to do when seeing foxes or coyotes is to make loud noises to scare them off. It is also recommended to cut off possible food sources, such as garbage and pet food left in the yard.

Anyone who comes across a sick fox should call Animal Control.