In the heart of London, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, the urban fox is a noticeable presence. Londoners frequently catch glimpses of these elusive creatures darting through alleys or scavenging for food amidst residential areas.
Their adaptability to the urban environment has led to a growing fascination among city dwellers, who often find themselves in awe of these wild animals living within the capital. However, some Londoners are less charmed by their presence, and specifically their vocal presence.
February holds particular significance for London’s fox population as it heralds the beginning of their mating season. During this time, the typically solitary creatures become more active and vocal as they seek out potential mates. The nights are filled with the eerie calls and yips of foxes, echoing through the urban landscape as they communicate with one another in their quest for companionship.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has never classified the fox as vermin, so local authorities have no obligation to act against their presence. They are protected under the Animal Welfare Act of 2006, meaning people are prohibited from causing unnecessary suffering.
Trevor Williams, founder of The Fox Project rescue charity, says the attitude towards the urban fox has shifted over the years. He said; “People like to see them. That’s something we see more and more.”
People are so used to seeing them that they have become part of the local culture. According to Mr. Williams “people don’t jump at them very much. They tend to just regard them as being something you see on the way to work or from the train, or something.”
He also stresses the idea that it’s not the foxes that have expanded their habitat, but rather us people. “All that happened with urban foxes in the first place, is that they were redesignated urban, because we had taken over the rural bits”, he says. And that foxes actually have a positive impact. “I don’t think there’s anything negative about having foxes around, in fact there’s a positive, as they’re pretty much one of the best rodent controllers. So if you’ve got problems with rats and mice then, you know, ship the fox in.”
The Fox Project rescues around 1,300 fox cubs each year. With Mr Williams stating that; “we owe all wildlife a bit of a debt. For taking over so much of their territory.”
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HeadlineUrban foxes in London vocalise presence amidst mating season
Short HeadlineUrban foxes vocalise presence amidst mating season
StandfirstUrban foxes in London: February mating season is loudly being announced by the foxes leaving some Londoners displeased
In the heart of London, amidst the hustle and bustle of the city, the urban fox is a noticeable presence. Londoners frequently catch glimpses of these elusive creatures darting through alleys or scavenging for food amidst residential areas.
Their adaptability to the urban environment has led to a growing fascination among city dwellers, who often find themselves in awe of these wild animals living within the capital. However, some Londoners are less charmed by their presence, and specifically their vocal presence.
February holds particular significance for London’s fox population as it heralds the beginning of their mating season. During this time, the typically solitary creatures become more active and vocal as they seek out potential mates. The nights are filled with the eerie calls and yips of foxes, echoing through the urban landscape as they communicate with one another in their quest for companionship.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has never classified the fox as vermin, so local authorities have no obligation to act against their presence. They are protected under the Animal Welfare Act of 2006, meaning people are prohibited from causing unnecessary suffering.
Trevor Williams, founder of The Fox Project rescue charity, says the attitude towards the urban fox has shifted over the years. He said; “People like to see them. That’s something we see more and more.”
People are so used to seeing them that they have become part of the local culture. According to Mr. Williams “people don’t jump at them very much. They tend to just regard them as being something you see on the way to work or from the train, or something.”
He also stresses the idea that it’s not the foxes that have expanded their habitat, but rather us people. “All that happened with urban foxes in the first place, is that they were redesignated urban, because we had taken over the rural bits”, he says. And that foxes actually have a positive impact. “I don’t think there’s anything negative about having foxes around, in fact there’s a positive, as they’re pretty much one of the best rodent controllers. So if you’ve got problems with rats and mice then, you know, ship the fox in.”
The Fox Project rescues around 1,300 fox cubs each year. With Mr Williams stating that; “we owe all wildlife a bit of a debt. For taking over so much of their territory.”
