I saw a fox in my yard!?!?

One of the things I LOVE about living in Colonial Beach is that we are surrounded by wildlife habitat. It’s thrilling to see wildlife wandering past or even through my front yard. I see eagles, osprey, heron, snapping turtles, deer, and groundhogs quite often. It's not uncommon for a fox to wander past...I'm lucky to live across the street from the river bank and to have a large undeveloped ravine area just a block away between12th Street and Riverside Meadows.

Fox are highly adaptable and increasingly common in suburban and even urban yards. Most of the time, they are just passing through looking for a quick snack (like mice or voles) and want absolutely nothing to do with us humans. However, it’s always smart to know what "normal" looks like versus what should trigger a call to animal control.

Signs of Rabies (Red Flags)

Rabies affects the central nervous system, causing animals to behave in ways that defy their natural instincts. Watch out for these specific behaviors:

• Extreme Lethargy or Paralysis: The fox looks weak, is stumbling, or has partially paralyzed hind legs.

• Unprovoked Aggression: Instead of running away when you make noise, the fox actively approaches or tries to attack people, pets, or inanimate objects.

• Total Loss of Fear: While some suburban foxes are "habituated" (used to people), a rabid fox will seem completely oblivious to your presence, almost like it's in a stupor or a trance.

• Unexplained Wandering: Walking in aimless circles or constantly falling over.

• Excessive Salivation: The classic "foaming at the mouth" or snapping at the air (hallucinating).

Important Note: Seeing a fox out during the day is NOT a sign of rabies. While they are primarily nocturnal, foxes frequently hunt during the day, especially in the spring and summer when they have hungry kits to feed.

Other Common (But Non-Rabid) Issues

Sometimes a fox looks rough, but it isn't rabid. Here are two other common scenarios:

1. Mange (A Skin Condition)

If the fox looks scruffy, is missing chunks of fur, or has raw, scabby skin, it likely has sarcoptic mange (caused by tiny mites).

• Is it dangerous? It’s not rabies, but it is highly contagious to domestic dogs. Keep your pets away from areas where the fox hangs out.

2. Habituation (Too Comfortable)

If the fox approaches your porch looking for food or doesn't run away when you clap your hands, it has likely been fed by humans.

• The Fix: You need to "haze" the fox to re-teach it to fear humans. Make loud noises, bang pots and pans, yell, or gently spray it with a garden hose.

Quick Tips to Keep Your Yard Safe

To ensure the fox doesn't decide to make your yard its permanent home, try these quick adjustments:

• Secure Trash Cans: Use locking lids so they aren't tempted by leftovers.

• Feed Pets Indoors: Never leave cat or dog food outside overnight.

• Block Off Hiding Spots: Seal up openings under porches, decks, or sheds where a fox might want to den.

• Supervise Small Pets: Keep a close eye on small dogs and cats when they are outside, especially around dawn and dusk.

If you ever see a fox displaying the rabid behaviors listed above, stay indoors, keep your pets inside, and call your local Animal Control or Department of Wildlife immediately. Here in Colonial Beach, you should call the Non-Emergency Dispatch Number (804) 493-8066.