Signs of Foxes in Your Garden: How To Know if Foxes Visit Your Yard
It’s no secret that foxes are pretty sneaky creatures. But even the sneakiest of animals can leave behind clues if you know where to look.
In this post, we’ll go over some common signs of foxes in your yard so you can determine if they’re making a home in your area. We’ll also provide some tips on how to keep foxes out of your yard if necessary. So read on to learn more!
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What Attracts Foxes To Your Yard
If you’re asking yourself “why do foxes keep coming to my garden,” there are actually quite a few reasons.
For one, they love to eat dog or cat food, dead wildlife, and anything else they can find in their garbage cans. In addition, foxes are drawn to gardens with bird feeders, ponds, or fountains because they know there will be plenty of birds around.
If your garbage cans are a mess, it’s probably because foxes have been rummaging through them at night in search of food. And if you have an orchard, foxes may come to feed on fallen fruit. Some people even deliberately attract foxes to their gardens so that the foxes will catch and eat pigeons and rats.
So, if you’re wondering what attracts foxes to your garden, now you know!
Signs of Foxes in Your Garden
Paws
Fox paw prints can be found in the mud or snow, but how do you tell which paw prints belong to a dog and which to a fox?
First, consider the paw arrangement. Fox trails are more straight than dog trails. Furthermore, fox paws are frequently narrower than dog paws. Finally, keep in mind that the size of the trace pattern and paw print will differ depending on the size and species of the animal.
Holes
If you’ve ever come across a hole in your garden and wondered “who dug this up?” there’s a good chance it was a fox. Though these cunning creatures are often associated with more rural areas, they can be found in cities and suburbs too. And if you have foxes living near you, there’s a good chance they’ll visit your garden from time to time.
One of the most obvious signs that foxes have been frequenting your garden is holes. These holes are usually not as neat and tidy as those made by other animals such as moles, and the soil around them is often loose and disturbed.
Foxes may dig holes in search of food, either worms or buried animals. Or, they may simply be looking for a place to hide the food they’ve caught. Either way, if you start seeing more holes appearing in your garden, it’s likely that you have some furry visitors.
But, how can you tell if it’s a foxhole? Well, they usually aren’t as neat and tidy as mole holes, and the soil around them is usually more packed down. So if you see a bunch of messy holes in your garden, chances are a fox has been paying you a visit.
Droppings
If you’ve ever stepped in something suspicious while walking through your garden, there’s a good chance it was fox poo. Foxes are known to use gardens as their own personal toilets, and their droppings can be easy to spot.
They’re typically the same size as dog droppings, but they often contain fur, feathers, bones, and seeds. Foxes also have a very strong and pungent musky odor, so if you notice a foul smell in your garden, it could be coming from a fox.
Rummaged Bins & Cans
If you’ve ever come home to find your trash strewn across the lawn, or your garbage cans toppled over, you may have a fox to thank.
Foxes are among the most common culprits when it comes to trash-related shenanigans, and they often do it simply for the sake of being mischievous. However, there are a few reasons why foxes may be drawn to your trash cans.
For one thing, they’re looking for an easy meal. Just like in the wild, foxes will scavenge for food wherever they can find it, and your garbage can provide a veritable buffet.
In addition, foxes are drawn to areas where there is food available, as this is a prime hunting ground for their prey.
Foxes’ Dens
If you have a fox den on your property, you may not notice it for a while. Foxes are cunning creatures, and they build their dens under wooden structures such as your house or shed.
So, if you haven’t noticed a fox den in your garden yet, you will most likely discover one in late April or May. That’s when the cubs are old enough to venture outside. If the den is under your house, you’ll definitely hear their noises before April!
On the other hand, if you do notice a fox den in your garden, be sure to keep an eye on your pets. Foxes are naturally curious creatures, and they may be intrigued by your cat or dog. However, they are not aggressive animals, and they will typically only approach if they feel threatened.
Noises
Although they are mostly silent, foxes have the ability to make up to 28 different noises. And, as any homeowner who has had the misfortune of hearing them knows, some of those noises can be pretty distressing.
For example, during their mating season, foxes make two sounds that are particularly hard to stomach: the males’ barking call and the female vixen’s scream.
If that wasn’t bad enough, if the foxes give birth near or under your house, you will undoubtedly spend your nights listening to the cubs scream and whicker at each other. And when foxes are threatened or attacked, they may make some pretty alarming noises as well.
In short, if you’re trying to get a good night’s sleep and there are foxes nearby, good luck. You’re going to need it.
Pray Remains
Pray remains are not only a clear indication of a fox’s presence in your garden, but they can also provide some clues about the creature’s habits.
For instance, if you find bird feathers or squirrel fur, it’s likely that the fox is hunting in your garden. On the other hand, if you find shrew remains, it’s possible that the fox is using your garden as a place to stockpile its food.
In either case, it’s important to be aware of the potential danger that a fox poses to both people and pets. If you have small children or vulnerable adults in your household, it’s best to take precautions to ensure their safety.
How To Repel Foxes from Your Garden
One of the best ways to discourage foxes is to make your garden as unattractive to them as possible.
First, get rid of any potential food sources. If you’re leaving out scraps for the birds or keeping your compost pile too close to the edge of the property, chances are the foxes will find it. Also, tighten up your garbage cans and pick up any fallen fruit from your trees.
Second, make sure there’s nowhere for them to hide. If you have dense shrubs or tall grasses near the perimeter of your property, trim them back so the foxes can’t use them for cover.
Third, consider using a commercial repellent. These products usually contain ingredients like coyote urine or peppermint oil, which foxes find unpleasant. Just be sure to follow the directions carefully, as some repellents can also be harmful to pets and children.
With a little effort, you can make your garden less inviting to foxes – and more enjoyable for everyone else.
Summary
If you’re still not sure if a fox has been in your yard, there are some other clues you can look for. Foxes love to dig and they leave behind large holes in the ground. You may also find evidence of their presence by looking for footprints or scat (droppings).
So, if you see any of these signs around your property, it’s likely that a fox has paid you a visit. Have you ever had a fox show up in your garden? We’d love to hear about it!
