Although the red fox tends to kill smaller predators, including other fox species, it is vulnerable to attack from larger predators, such as wolves, coyotes, golden jackals, large predatory birds such as golden eagles and Eurasian eagle owls, and medium- and large-sized felines.
Overall, it seems that hearing was the most important sense, followed by vision and then smell – even at twilight, vision appeared more important than smell to the hunting fox.
Biological & behavioural weaknesses:
Red foxes have few natural predators in Australia, with most mortality occurring because of human activities or drought. Cubs can be vulnerable to birds of prey and dogs, and there is some evidence that local populations can be suppressed by predation from dingoes.
Young red foxes are primarily preyed upon by eagles and coyotes. Mature red foxes can be attacked by larger animals, including bears, wolves and mountain lions. Humans are the most significant predator of adult foxes, who are often hunted for fur or killed because they are considered pests.
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.
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.
Habitat destruction, oil leasing, pesticides, disease and climate change threaten all of these species of fox.
Foxes have a devastating impact on native wildlife across Australia, currently threatening 14 species of bird, 48 mammal species and 12 reptile species. In fact, almost any animal up to 5.5 kilograms in weight is at risk of fox predation. The economic impact of foxes is estimated to be $227.5 million per year.
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.
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.
All introduced mammal species are prohibited as pets unless listed as exceptions. A sample of these prohibited mammals include: foxes • squirrels • ferrets/polecats/stoats • rabbits • hamsters • monkeys/marmosets • gerbils • weasels • dingoes.
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.
Try boiling the chilli pepper and garlic with some water, then mix it in a blender. Spray this mixture anywhere in your garden that you don't want foxes to go near. It's a great natural repellent that is highly effective, and is a great way to get rid of foxes in the garden without causing any harm.
You must not move, keep, feed, give away, sell, or release into the environment. Penalties may apply. You must take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with foxes under your control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
A fox cutting through your yard is probably just passing through on their way between hunting areas, and no action is necessary on your part. Usually, the best thing to do is leave foxes alone.
European colonisers brought foxes (and cats) to Australia. From 1845, foxes were released into the wild in Victoria for the “sport” of hunting them on horseback with a pack of hounds.
Unfortunately, this unique animal is one of the rarest mammals in North America and is now limited to only two tiny California populations that likely consist of fewer than 50 — and possibly even fewer than 20 — individuals.
Fox attacks on people, including children, are rare. While it is in a fox's nature to be curious, and even bold sometimes, they are not aggressive. But, like other wildlife, they will become ha- bituated if people feed them, either purposely or inadvertently, such as with garbage or outdoor pet food.
Foxes are particularly sensitive to strong scents, such as: Citrus fruits. Garlic. Chilli powder.
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.