Foxes in the ‘Chase
By Mary Stockard
With its proximity to the Cahaba River and its dense forest setting, Riverchase is an ideal habitat for foxes. The red fox, tall and leggier, and the gray fox, shorter and stockier, both weighing between 7 – 15 lbs., have made their home in the community. They eat mice, rabbits, birds, insects, and vegetation. Red foxes prefer denning under rocky outcroppings, wood piles and old woodchuck burrows. Gray foxes like dense brush, cavities in stumps and trees, and out-buildings such as barns and sheds. Both species have their babies in March.
Foxes are generally wary and secretive but the demands of feeding their young can make them bolder. Keeping your outside pets’ food bowls clean and your garbage cans secured can prevent unwelcome dinner guests. Removing wood stacks and brush piles from your yard can discourage a homeless wanderer from settling in.
Although foxes are not likely to harm small pets or children, it is best to keep them under direct supervision. The biggest threat in foxes is that they may carry diseases and parasites that can infect animals and people.
Sick or injured foxes are a primary concern for the Wildlife Center. These dog-like animals are at high risk for rabies and are prone to distemper. Mange is also a concern in the red fox and can lead to death if not treated in time.
If you have a concern about one of the foxes in Riverchase, call the Alabama Wildlife Center. They can help where it is illegal for the residents to treat or attempt to rehabilitate injured, sick or orphaned foxes.
Wildlife Helpline: 205-663-7930/ext. 1
