Foxes of three species—red, gray, and kit—find food, shelter, and even places to den and raise their young among us in towns and cities. Which species you are most likely to have in your neighborhood depends upon your location and surrounding habitat. Red foxes are the most adaptable and widespread. For the most part, foxes live compatibly with us and maybe just under our noses, adjusting their active times to minimize overlap with ours. Any … [Read more...]
Baby Wild Animals on the Move
Just like our own kids, baby wild animals ultimately are compelled to strike out on their own. Occasionally they may hang around a little longer than expected, but parents eventually give them a good-natured nudge to find their own turf. Either way, you may see these animals—foxes, raccoons, skunks, armadillos, black bears, mountain lions, or others native to your area—in your yard as they look for a suitable place to live. Usually, they continue … [Read more...]
Hibernate, Migrate, Adapt—Wildlife Winter Survival
Winter is rarely easy for anyone, but you may wonder sometimes just how wild animals make it through, lacking heat, cozy blankets, and hot chocolate or coffee to keep warm. As it turns out, they’ve evolved a fascinating array of physical or behavioral adaptations to either avoid or cope with winter’s woes. Naturalists sometimes simplify the approaches into three main categories: migrate, hibernate, and adapt, and there are all kinds of variations … [Read more...]
Havahart Traps and Other Live-catch Wildlife Traps
This article focuses on how to ensure live-catch traps work their best, both for resolving your situation and preventing, or at least minimizing, harm or stress for wildlife. Before attempting to trap any wild animal in or near your home, though, you need to check with your local humane society or state wildlife agency about pertinent laws for your area. Even more important—before resorting to obtaining a live-catch trap, such as one of the … [Read more...]
Thinking About Using a Fox Trap?
If you are considering using a live trap to capture a fox on your property, this article is meant for you. You may not realize that there are more effective options available to you before resorting to a fox trap. Here you’ll find helpful, practical ways to troubleshoot the problem and avoid the pitfalls associated with trapping. Consider this first… At first you may be frightened to learn that there are foxes living in your neighborhood, but … [Read more...]
Looking to Get Rid of Foxes?
Foxes denning under your deck? Or denning in your yard? Or, maybe you’re just seeing them around and wonder if you should be concerned.” Well, the good news is that you have nothing to fear. If they’re raising a family in your yard, you’re in for a treat. It is fun and educational to watch fox parents raise their young. No, foxes won’t drag off your kids --- their main prey items are mice, rats, chipmunks, and some squirrels or rabbits. They … [Read more...]