Nassau County | Animal Removal | New York | Wildlife
Not A Wildlife Rescue Service
Please NO Dog or Cat Calls

Red Fox - Nassau County, Long Island

The red fox is the most common of the foxes native to North America and is the largest of the true foxes. The red fox is a nocturnal animal that can be found throughout the United States, from Alaska to Florida. Red fox prefer open areas in woodlands, wetlands, brushy fields, rural and suburban neighborhoods. Apart from its large size, the red fox is differentiated from other fox species by its ability to quickly adapt to new environments. The red fox’s resourcefulness has earned it a legendary reputation for intelligence and cleverness. The red fox has a dog-like appearance and can weigh as much as fifteen pounds. Red Foxes have long muzzles and red fur across their face, back, sides and tail. Despite its name, the red fox is not always red and often produces offspring with other colorings. Red fox have black feet and large pointy black-tipped ears. One of the most distinguishable characteristics of the red fox is its fluffy white-tipped tail. The chin, throat and belly of the red fox is grayish white. Red foxes are frequently confused with gray foxes, which share a similar habitat and range. This can make identification of the two species difficult, because some gray foxes have patches of red fur and some red foxes have patches of gray fur. The gray fox is smaller than the red fox, has a more rounded face and a shorter muzzle. The sure way to tell them apart is to look at the color of the tips of their tails. Red fox always have white-tipped tails, while gray fox always have black-tipped tails. The fox’s tail aids its balance. The fox’s tail also acts as a warm cover in cold weather and is used as a signal flag to communicate with other foxes. Foxes’ keen hearing, vision and sense of smell aid them in locating their prey. Red fox are opportunists, primarily feeding on rodents, rabbits, birds, invertebrates and occasionally they consume fruit and vegetable matter. Foxes will also consume garbage and pet food. Predators of the red fox include wolves, coyotes and golden jackals. Red fox have a life expectancy of three to seven years. Red fox mate during the winter and offspring are born in late March and April. Female red fox can deliver as many as twelve pups. Female foxes are called vixens and their offspring are known as kits. The kits are born brown, or gray, usually turning red within a month. Both male and female foxes care for the young, which are weaned by the time they are two months old.  Red fox are carriers of rabies, coccidiosis, canine distemper and mange.

Fox Removal Nassau County, Long Island, NY


Fox Inspection - This is the initial step in the fox removal and fox control process. Nassau County Animal Removal wildlife control operators will determine the nuisance wild animal species and the best method of controlling it.

Fox Tracks - The tracks of a fox resemble those of a small coyote or dog. Fox have four toes and their footprints are oval in shape. Like coyote tracks, fox tracks run in a straight line.

Fox Damage - Fox can be a source of major problems for poultry farmers.  Fox will consume chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese. Damage can be difficult to detect, because the fowl is usually taken from the kill site to the fox’s den and uneaten parts are buried. Small pigs, lambs and pets are also killed by foxes.

Fox Dens - Red fox may dig their own den under a deck, or shed.  Red fox will also use abandoned groundhog burrows.

Fox Droppings - Fox dropping resemble coyote feces, but are smaller. The appearance of the feces is dependent upon the fox’s diet and may include bone, fur, feathers, or seeds.

Fox Sounds - Fox have a wide range of calls. They bark, howl, growl, yap and scream.
How To Get Rid Of Fox In Nassau County, New York


Fox Repellents - There are no repellents on the market that effectively get rid of fox.

Shooting Fox - This is probably not a good option. New York State Environmental Conservation Law (ENV § 11-0931) states that a firearm can not be discharged within five hundred feet of a school, playground, or an occupied factory, or church. The law further states that a firearm cannot be discharged within five hundred feet of a dwelling, farm building or structure in occupation or use unless you own it, lease it, are an immediate family member, an employee, or have the owner’s consent.

Fox Trapping - Is a very effective method of fox control, which requires a great deal of skill and expertise. Fox trapping is a very important wildlife management tool and is a key component of fox damage control in Nassau County, Long Island. There are numerous types of humane fox traps and fox baits that can be used to catch a red fox. Knowing what type of humane fox trap to use and what bait to use for fox removal in Nassau County, Long Island is determined by what time of the year it is. The fox removal trapping techniques that our Nassau County fox removal trappers use, is also determined by the situation and where the fox’s den is located. Nassau County Animal Removal wildlife trappers know what humane fox trap and fox bait to use in every situation.

Fox Exclusion - Red fox can be excluded from poultry using wire fencing having openings less than three inches.The fence needs to be buried at least two feet below the ground, to prevent foxes from digging underneath it. Foxes are also excellent jumpers and climbers, so fences need to be at least six feet high. An outward-facing overhang can also prevent fox from scaling the fence.These overhangs can be floppy or rigid and incorporate electric fencing as an added deterrent. Steel fence posts are more difficult than timber posts for fox to climb.
Copyright© Animal Removal | Long Island New York • All Rights Reserved