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Foxes


**Wildlife Pests Require a Wildlife Professional & are NOT Considered Pest Control – We are providing this information as a service to our customers and would be happy to refer you to a wildlife control company to further assist you. **

Red, gray, swift and kit foxes call Colorado their homes.  The red fox is the most common of the four and probably the most commonly thought of species with their distinct red color.  The swift and kit foxes are smaller species weighing in at only a few pounds each when they are at full maturity.  Kit foxes are listed as endangered and is protected in the state of Colorado.  Frequently hunted for their fur and considered by some to be a nuisance, foxes have gone through significant decreases in populations over the years and are now commonly monitored by conservation groups.  Habitat destruction, road-kill and predators are all additional causes to the declines in fox populations.  Feeding primarily on small rodents, rabbits, birds and some reptiles or insects when food supplies are scarce, foxes can be considered beneficial to local ecosystems.

Foxes have become well adapted to urban communities even raising their young in residential yards under patios, decks and sheds.  While some residents enjoy watching fox families in such close proximity, there are a few problems that can be encountered in these cases.  Foxes, like most animals, will defend themselves and should never be cornered.  Feeding foxes is illegal and should never be considered.  Foxes are host to several parasites including fleas and ticks.  It is not uncommon for fleas to make their way inside a home where foxes have a den on the exterior.  They can also have diseases including rabies.  Pets should be kept clear of fox den areas and should be checked frequently for parasites such as fleas and ticks when sharing a yard with a fox family.  Pet food and water should be removed nightly and pet doors should be closed and locked to discourage foxes from entering the home.  Exclusion type fencing can be installed around the foundation, patio, low decks and sheds to prevent foxes from creating den sites.  Fencing is buried below soil grade to prevent digging and extends above ground to be secured.

Local and state regulations dictate control methods and can sometimes change.  Therefore, residents are encouraged to contact Colorado Division of Wildlife prior to attempting to trap, shoot or otherwise attempt to handle or control foxes.