Many of our customers ask us about the activities of foxes in winter. This may be something you have often wondered as well. Do these animals go into hibernation, or do foxes stay active? Unfortunately for homeowners, these animals do not hibernate. Not only that, they can actually become an even bigger pest and a nuisance during the cold season. There are several reasons for this.
Why you need to be wary of foxes in winter
Fox cubs are born at the start of spring. Over the next seven months they grow to maturity. What this means is that by the time it gets to winter, fox numbers are at their peak. This can become a huge problem for humans. The reason why is simple: these foxes are hungry and looking for food. You see, with winter arriving, food is even more scarce tor these and other mammals than usual. This means that foxes in winter will go to greater lengths to get access to nourishment than in warmer months.
So where do urban foxes look for food? First of all, what you have to understand is that these animals mostly subsist of human food. What this means is that they usually attack your dustbins. This includes dustbins that are left out for the bin men, and also the bins behind your house. This is why London fox control measures are so important at any time of year, but particularly where foxes in winter are concerned.
Foxes in winter also look for food in your garden
The foods foxes forage can include things like fruit, berry trees, and your vegetable patch. They may also dig up flower beds when looking for worms or bulbs. Speaking of flower beds, foxes are also attracted by natural fertilisers. These fertilisers often contain things like bonemeal, animal blood, or fish.
Another reason why foxes enter gardens is because they are attracted by pet food or bird-feeders. They may also make an extra effort to break into outdoor pet hutches containing your beloved rabbit or guinea pig, or chicken coops if you keep hens. Foxes are evolving to benefit from our human habitats. Here’s another rather unpleasant fact: if you’ve recently buried a pet in your garden, then foxes may actually dig it up if they are desperate.
Country foxes have different strategies in winter. What usually happens is that they become more carnivorous during this period. Instead of eating fruit, berries and worms, they switch to hunting prey. This mostly includes things like mice, rabbits and rats. These foxes may also feed upon small birds, if they can catch them. Country foxes also build up a cache of food during the summer months. This gives them a source of food when nothing else is around and help them survive the winter.