Urban foxes are a familiar sight in towns and cities across the UK, even during the harsh winter months. Unlike their rural counterparts, urban foxes adapt to their surroundings in unique ways. Their ability to thrive in cold weather comes down to their resourcefulness and some surprising behaviours.
During winter, urban foxes rely heavily on their scavenging skills. They often raid bins, compost heaps, and discarded food. With reduced natural prey like rodents or insects available, they adapt by targeting human waste. While this behaviour might frustrate homeowners, it demonstrates their incredible ability to find nourishment in unlikely places.
Urban foxes are also opportunistic hunters. They may capture small rodents or birds, particularly those weakened by the cold. Additionally, they benefit from people who intentionally feed them. While this might seem helpful, it can encourage foxes to rely on handouts and come closer to properties, which may lead to conflicts.
Winter conditions require urban foxes to seek out warm, dry shelters. Often, they use dens that they dig in parks, gardens or wasteland. Alternatively, they might repurpose abandoned spaces like sheds, garages or even under decking. This resourceful approach ensures they can stay out of the cold and protect their young if they are preparing for breeding season.
Sometimes, urban foxes venture into loft spaces or outbuildings. Homeowners should seal any gaps or weak spots in roofs or walls to prevent unwanted visitors. These spaces provide warmth and protection from predators, making them ideal for a fox seeking refuge. Some people enjoy having urban foxes in the environment and are not bothered by them. Others find they can create a nuisance.
Urban foxes grow thicker winter coats to retain body heat. Their fur becomes dense and fluffy, helping them survive freezing temperatures. They conserve energy by resting during the day and becoming more active at night.
Their diets also support their survival. Fat-rich foods like discarded meat or animal scraps provide essential energy reserves to help them combat the cold. Combined with their adaptable behaviour, this allows urban foxes to maintain their health through winter.
Although urban foxes play a role in controlling pests like rodents, their presence can sometimes cause concern. We advise securing bins, removing food waste promptly, and blocking potential entry points to deter them. If urban foxes become problematic, our pest control services can provide humane and effective solutions. You can take steps to coexist with urban foxes while keeping your property safe.
How do urban foxes find food?
During winter, urban foxes rely heavily on their scavenging skills. They often raid bins, compost heaps, and discarded food. With reduced natural prey like rodents or insects available, they adapt by targeting human waste. While this behaviour might frustrate homeowners, it demonstrates their incredible ability to find nourishment in unlikely places.
Urban foxes are also opportunistic hunters. They may capture small rodents or birds, particularly those weakened by the cold. Additionally, they benefit from people who intentionally feed them. While this might seem helpful, it can encourage foxes to rely on handouts and come closer to properties, which may lead to conflicts.
Where do city foxes shelter?
Winter conditions require urban foxes to seek out warm, dry shelters. Often, they use dens that they dig in parks, gardens or wasteland. Alternatively, they might repurpose abandoned spaces like sheds, garages or even under decking. This resourceful approach ensures they can stay out of the cold and protect their young if they are preparing for breeding season.
Sometimes, urban foxes venture into loft spaces or outbuildings. Homeowners should seal any gaps or weak spots in roofs or walls to prevent unwanted visitors. These spaces provide warmth and protection from predators, making them ideal for a fox seeking refuge. Some people enjoy having urban foxes in the environment and are not bothered by them. Others find they can create a nuisance.
How do they stay warm?
Urban foxes grow thicker winter coats to retain body heat. Their fur becomes dense and fluffy, helping them survive freezing temperatures. They conserve energy by resting during the day and becoming more active at night.
Their diets also support their survival. Fat-rich foods like discarded meat or animal scraps provide essential energy reserves to help them combat the cold. Combined with their adaptable behaviour, this allows urban foxes to maintain their health through winter.
Managing urban foxes
Although urban foxes play a role in controlling pests like rodents, their presence can sometimes cause concern. We advise securing bins, removing food waste promptly, and blocking potential entry points to deter them. If urban foxes become problematic, our pest control services can provide humane and effective solutions. You can take steps to coexist with urban foxes while keeping your property safe.