Foxes Spotted During Day Prompts Abington Police Warning

ABINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — The Abington Township Police Department is alerting residents about foxes being spotted around the region.

The township's animal control officer, Jerrold Czech, said several calls have come in about fox sightings around town.

Abington Police said Czech stated that during this time of the year, foxes enter hyperphagia — a phase where they eat constantly to build up reserves for the winter.

"You may see them hunting during the day, sometimes for up to 16 hours straight," Czech said. "Daytime hunting is normal and not a sign of rabies."

Residents took to social media to respond to the sightings.

"Just why are people getting upset over seeing foxes?" one person posted on Facebook. "They should be very happy to see that foxes are hunters around their neighborhood. Foxes catch a huge amount of those pesky mice, rabbits that eat your vegetables, and much more. No, they aren’t carrying diseases. They will not run up to bite you either. They are very shy and not sly at all."

Another person said that people should leave the foxes alone.

"Daytime sightings are common any time of year," the Facebook poster said. "They are not here to cause you trouble or looking to attack you. No need to call a pest service. They actually feel safe around suburban sprawl, people, and its structures. And food is usually plentiful."