Do Foxes Pose a Threat? Risks to Health & FAQ

You might be concerned if you have just encountered a fox or were close to one. You might be more concerned if a fox is seen on your property, and it’s been threatening your family or pets. Many people are curious about the dangers that foxes can pose to their health and what potential health risks they could pose. Although foxes don’t care about humans, there are some things that you should be aware of.

Dangerous Foxes can Pose

Wild animals can be dangerous. Even if you are able to see a pigeon or any other small bird, it is possible to get bitten or clawed. Foxes can be dangerous to this extent. Foxes are naturally afraid of humans, which is understandable. Usually, foxes will flee if they see you.

Foxes can still be dangerous at times. If you try to capture one, the primary threat is that it will bite and scratch you. If a fox becomes scared and has no escape, it will lash back at you and bite and scratch you ferociously. Never attempt to capture wild foxes. In most states, it is illegal to keep a live fox.

Foxes could also be dangerous if they have a disease. This disease could spread to your family members, pets, and yourself. You will usually know if a Fox is suffering from a disease by its poor health, ragged fur, and aggressive disposition.

Foxes can carry diseases

Foxes can carry two major diseases. The first is fatal to humans. The second causes minor irritation in dogs but can cause serious problems for them.

Mange

Mange is an infection that can be caused by mites in foxes. This type of mange can be transmitted to humans, but it will usually disappear within a few weeks. It’s very serious if your dog is infected. Mange is something you don’t want to see in your dog. Foxes are extremely unlikely to give mange to cats.

Rabies

Rabies is the most serious disease that foxes could carry. People who haven’t been vaccinated against rabies can be killed. It is a very difficult road. However, you can often tell when a fox is aggressive before it gets close.

Rabid foxes walk with strange gait and can be aggressive or tame. They also try to hurt themselves while walking, stagger, or stumble. If you see a fox exhibiting any of these behaviors, avoid walking too far and notify your local animal control agency.

Do Foxes Attack People?

Normal conditions are safe for foxes and do not attack humans. While a wild fox may attack, a normal fox will run away from a human. They might attack if they are trapped in a cage, or forced to run from a corner. If you don’t try to capture a Fox, it won’t attack.

Do Foxes Attack Pets (Dogs, Cats, etc. )?

Fox prey could be at risk if your small pets are left outside unattended. Even larger pets like large dogs or housecats are not at risk. If the fox is aggressive, a fox will not attack large dogs. A fully grown housecat is too much to risk for them. Adult cats are about the same size as Fox and have some amazing self-defense skills.

Conclusion

Foxes are generally not something to be afraid of. However, small pets are more dangerous. If you leave your pet outside, they are at risk. However, a fox will not attack you unless it is aggressive or you try to capture it. A fox will rather run to ensure its survival than deal with another creature twice its size. You can even have a creature the same size. That is why adult housecats are safe.