Watch: Fox Braves Snow To Search Middletown Neighbor's Flower Bed

MIDDLETOWN, NY — Heads up, neighbors — a reddish fox popped into a Middletown resident's yard recently and dug through some snowy flower beds. Video on the Neighbors app showed the animal mosey up to a raised terrace Saturday afternoon and frisk an unsuspecting plant, presumably foraging for food.

But the endeavor appeared unsuccessful, leading the animal to meander away a short time later.

Foxes that appear during the day are "no cause for alarm," though they can have rabies, according to the Humane Society of the United States. Both red and gray foxes are scavengers and live near people in cities and towns. While foxes typically avoid humans, the allure of a tasty snack — such as pet food and unsecured garbage — can lead to a brief visit.

Usually, it's best to leave the foragers alone. Unless they're rabid — which is very rare — or captured, foxes are not dangerous to humans, the organization said. However, foxes can prey on small pets or livestock, such as rabbits, guinea pigs and chickens. That means such animals should be kept indoors or housed in sturdy structures.

A typical adult cat is nearly the same size as a fox and has a "well-deserved reputation for self-defense," the Humane Society said. As such, foxes typically leave full-grown felines alone, unless they're kittens or under 5 pounds.

Most dogs are not at risk of a fox attack unless they have threatened its kits. Miniature dogs are "especially vulnerable to harm" from predators, though, including foxes.

Ring, the owner of the Neighbors app, is a Patch advertiser. Patch received no compensation for this article.