Identification
Foxes are members of the dog family, Canidae . There are two species of fox in Georgia the red fox and gray fox that may become a problem for Atlanta residence.
Foxes mate in mid-winter; pups are born approximately 9 weeks later. Male and female foxes stay together to raise young.
Usually by April or May, the female may be seen with one or more pups during the day teaching them what they can eat.
Foxes may be seen carrying off a rabbit, woodchuck, or other rodent. By August, the pups are ready to take care of themselves, though they may stay with the parents until late fall or early winter.
How, When and Why They Become a Nuisance Pest
Problems associated with foxes include depredation on domestic animals, perceptions of danger to humans (healthy foxes pose virtually no danger to humans), and their potential to carry diseases and harmful organisms.
Foxes will prey on small livestock such as ducks, chickens, rabbits, and young lambs, but generally do not bother larger livestock. Cats may also be preyed upon. Foxes often carry their prey to a secluded area or their den where it is eaten by the adults and young.
Damage They Cause
Foxes do not really cause damage in the physical sense. Foxes can carry organisms responsible for several contagious diseases such as Mange, Canine Distemper , toxocariasis and rabies. Foxes may kill small domestic pets.
Atlanta, Georgia Fox Removal & Fox Control
Eliminating healthy foxes is not necessary based solely on human safety concerns. People uncomfortable with the presence of foxes should remove attractants, exclude foxes with fencing and employ scaring techniques. Trapping and relocating foxes in Georgia is against the law because the state’s fox population is increasing and fox problems are widespread; also relocated foxes can cause problems in new locations.
In many cases, homeowner’s perceptions of problems are unfounded and in some cases, the mere presence of a fox is perceived as a problem. Keeping small children and pets away from the denning site may be an easy solution until the pups grow and disperse from their parents.
Many of the methods used to protect livestock can also be used to protect pets. Pets are often easier to protect because they can be kept indoors at night and can be supervised while outdoors by their owners. Human presence is often a deterrent to foxes. Foxes that travel into residential yards should be harassed or scared with loud noises to prevent them from becoming habituated.
If the presence of the fox is truly unnerving please give us a call to discuss the situation. If removal is nessecary we can help control the situation.
