Foxes as Pets

I get a lot of people writing to me asking if whether it would be a good idea to take a fox as a pet or asking how much interaction they should have with a fox in nearby woods.

Wild Foxes:
Foxes, above all, are wild animals and should always be treated as such. Foxes that have grown up in the wild are often scared by humans and are rarely seen except in the early morning or night when they are feeding though they may be lured with food as they will scavenge anywhere and store the treat for later. It is fine to enjoy your fox in the wild but maintain those boundaries. Do not attempt to pet, touch, or hand feed foxes. Though they are very cute, they often carry diseases that can be passed on to humans, especially in cities. Feed them, and take pictures -- then send me copies.

Domesticating Foxes:
As noted above foxes are wild animals and are always wild animals. Even if you raise them from a cub they will always be wild. I have spoken to many fox owners who go through a couch every few months as the little vulpine tears it apart. Also, foxes will spray to mark their territory leaving a strong smelling musk everywhere in your house. Like some of the wildest breeds of dog, you need to spend several hours a day with the fox, every day, to keep him in check. If you have children, do not take the chance. A child is potentially food and may be treated as such. Remember dogs have been living with humans for over 30,000 years and even some of those easily become feral.

It can be done:
If I didn't say this then a lot of happy fox owners would be jumping down my throat so I feel obliged to mention that there are many people with pet foxes that love them very much and have a good time with them. These dedicated souls have gone through a lot to house break and establish an alpha bond with their foxes. If you are of this group and would like your e-mail listed here as a proud fox owner, let me know and I will make you available for contact.

Opinion:
The fox is a mystical animal that has an uncapturable grace and beauty. Any attempt to caputre that is a slap in the face of mother nature. The fox for all its wonder should be allowed to live free and we should do what we can to preserve its habitat while enjoying it there. Maybe if we all spent more quiet time in the woods just listening to what it had to say to us, we would be a lot happier and more contented in spirit.