They will certainly kill lambs and kid goats and many native species as they do in rural areas. They will also kill small domestic pets and livestock such as rabbits, guinea pigs, poultry and aviary birds. Fox attacks are often devastating with many animals killed and left uneaten.
Depending on where you live, very small dogs are vulnerable to harm from a plethora of predators, including foxes, so they should be monitored when outside. Foxes may prey on small pets like rabbits, guinea pigs or chickens, so such pets should be kept indoors or housed in sturdy structures.
Preying on domestic livestock and pets
These attacks can be devastating, as foxes will often kill more animals than they require for their immediate food needs. Foxes rarely bother cats or dogs and generally only fight if they are cornered and cannot escape.
Foxes are not known for attacking dogs—even those that roam off-leash or are on retractable leashes. That said, there are certain situations where an attack may occur. If a fox feels threatened or cornered, for example, it may lash out defensively.
Dogs have the advantage of having more muscular bodies than foxes. While both are canines, dogs have superior bite strength. Stronger jaws, more muscle, and high endurance give dogs the advantage one-on-one.
Foxes are naturally incredibly wary of dogs and the more variety of dog smells they can detect, the better, as the perceived threat to their safety becomes greater and the less inclined they are to hang around.
Fox attacks on dogs are rare because these animals try to evade conflict. However, they will defend themselves against a dog if cornered. Adult cats are usually safe, but a fox may hunt and prey on kittens.
If followed or approached by a fox, get your pet safely inside but do not run or turn your back. If you can't go inside, act aggressively by shouting, waving arms, or throwing objects to reinforce the threat. Those seeking further protection may consider carrying an air horn or pepper spray.
Most of the time, a fox will run away and hide from a person. However if you are in a situation where a fox approaches you, try to stay calm, slowly back off, and don't make any sudden movements. Try to stand well away so the fox can see that it can get away and you aren't a threat to it.
While there's a chance it was just passing through, you're likely to see foxes return time and time again if: There's a water source such as a pond, fountain, swimming pool, puddles or a pet's water bowl. There's a food source such as bins, pet food or you're feeding other wildlife such as birds or hedgehogs.
THE FOXES ARE NESTING IN AN AREA YOU FREQUENT
Foxes love to build their dens in sheds, wood piles and other outdoor structures. If you're noticing a lot of foxes in an area you frequent, such as in and around your shed, you'll want to get rid of the animals for the sake of convenience.
Use smells to deter foxes
You can use certain smells to deter foxes, they are reported to dislike the smell of chilli peppers and garlic so try infusing in boiling water and spraying around your garden as a fox repellent.
White vinegar contains a lot of acetic acid which carries a particularly strong and potent smell. Foxes hate the smell because it messes with their sensitive olfactory glands. You can mix up a water and white vinegar solution and spay your bins and property with it although, this will need to be reapplied.
For example, foxes hate natural ingredients like chili pepper, garlic, capsaicin, and a chemical compound called alliinase. Sprinkling these foods around your garden will naturally prevent foxes coming near your home and garden. Foxes also hate water, flashing lights, and loud noises.
Foxes are usually smaller than dogs and have flatter skulls. They are also difficult to potty train, and they only live 2-4 years, compared to a dog's 10-14 years. Additionally, foxes are not nearly as affectionate towards humans as your loving Baxter. They also have a nasty scent, which is not appealing to dogs.
Foxes do not always get along with dogs, and in fact, dogs are pretty likely to hate them. Foxes have a wildly different body language than dogs and this causes confusion and anxiety for most dogs. It is advised that if someone has a fox in captivity with dogs, to not keep them together unsupervised.
The bulk of a fox's diet is made up of meat protein, so the best things to feed your local foxes are cooked or raw meat, or tinned dog food. They are also fond of peanuts, fruit and cheese. Foxes can be fed all year round but should follow a set feeding routine.
Foxes are normally wary and unlikely to approach humans. However, if fed by a person, they can become conditioned to approach people and may appear to be a threat. They may prey on poultry, lambs, piglets and small pets. They can carry diseases and parasites that may infect people or their animals.
Foxes will rarely attack or even interact with domestic cats and dogs. Foxes are also known to turn over garbage bins, dig holes in lawns and disturb the peace through their own vocalisations and by making dogs bark.
Foxes are also excellent jumpers and climbers. They can jump a standard 900 mm fence; so many designs double this height (1800 mm) using more netting or various spacings of electric wires. However, this naturally increases the cost of the fence.
Human presence often is a deterrent to foxes. Foxes that travel into residential yards can be harassed or scared with loud noises, bright lights, or spraying water from a hose. Disturbing a den site physically or with unnatural odors during spring may prompt foxes to move to another den which may be farther away.
Foxes have an extremely strong sense of smell and are particularly sensitive to scents like peppermint oil, garlic and chilli powder. These smells can act as effective deterrents and will keep foxes away from your garden.
The strong scent from human male urine (and only male urine) masks a male fox's pungent scent, and can often force them out. But you can buy urea-based products that do the same job (and won't upset your cat). The best can be expensive, so ask at a garden centre, or seek advice from the National Fox Welfare Society.