Foxes

Tel: +44 (0) 1639 730276

We are eternally grateful to all those kind people who help us to care for the animals in our sanctuary.

Company Registration No 3714183 .

VAT Number 741 8355 27.

UK registered charity number 1076645

Foxes can be found all over Britain. Traditionally thought of as being sly and cunning, they are very clever and adaptable creatures. As a result they are at home in both the city and countryside and have been spotted in locations across Nottinghamshire . Whilst hunted in the past, fox hunting is now banned, but foxes are not welcomed by everyone and still suffer cruelty in some areas.

Foxes are very distinctive, but people are often surprised at just how small they are and the fact that the colour of the fur can vary from deep reddish brown to almost blonde . They have a similar shape to a small dog with characteristic muzzle, pointed ears and bushy tail or 'brush'.

A major reason for the fox's success is its varied eating habits. Foxes are omnivores, which means they will eat virtually anything they come across. They have a reputation for taking poultry, but more often at such undesirables as rats and slugs, along with fruit, berries, roots, 'carrion' (animal remains) and, in cities, discarded chips and pizzas!

Foxes often only live for one or two years, although they have been known to survive for up to nine years. They are territorial, and for most of the year they live in small family groups. Foxes mate in January, and cubs are born in March, looked after by the 'vixens' (females) of the family. The cubs soon grow and, through play, learn to fend for themselves. This means that adults often leave them alone for long periods. If you find cubs you think have been abandoned it is important not to interfere with them as the vixens will usually return for them. Orphaned cubs are often cared for by other family members. Between August and November the cubs leave the family group to find new territories, often taking over from old and weak adults.

Whilst some people do see them as a pest, it is illegal to use poisoned bait to kill foxes because of the risk of poisoning other species. A range of control measures are legal, but there are considerable concerns that a number of these are unnecessarily cruel. There are many harmless products available, based on the chemical renardine, to discourage foxes that are causing a problem.

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The perfect gift for animal lovers, why not adopt a Fox

We are eternally grateful to all those kind people who help us to care for the animals in our sanctuary. Donations from the public, businesses and other organisations are vital to our continued survival and any contribution or other form of support is greatly appreciated.

Here are some of the characters that you will see on your visit to the Wales Ape and Monkey Sanctuary.

Click here to read about Tyson and his friends at the Sanctuary.