London’s foxes are fascinating examples of wildlife adapting to urban environments.
What Species of Fox Live in London?
The species found in the city is the red fox (Vulpes vulpes), which is native to the UK. Red foxes are small-to-medium-sized canines, with adults weighing between 5 to 7 kilograms (11 to 15 pounds) and measuring around 60 to 90 centimeters (24 to 35 inches) in length, excluding their bushy tail. Their distinctive reddish-brown fur, white underbelly, and dark paws make them easy to identify.
How Many Foxes Live in London?
London is home to a thriving population of urban foxes, with estimates suggesting that around 10,000 to 15,000 foxes live in the city. A 2017 study conducted by the Mammal Society and the University of Brighton found that some areas of London have up to 18 foxes per square kilometer, highlighting how well these animals have adapted to city life. The abundance of food sources—rubbish, rodents, and garden wildlife—along with sheltered dens in parks, gardens, and abandoned buildings, supports their numbers.
What Do Foxes Eat?
In London, foxes are opportunistic omnivores. Their diet primarily consists of:
- Human waste and leftovers: Foxes are known for raiding bins and scavenging discarded food in the city. They’re especially drawn to easy-access garbage and will eat almost anything, from meat to bread and even processed foods.
- Rodents and small mammals: London’s plentiful supply of rats and mice provides an abundant source of protein for urban foxes. They are skilled hunters and help control rodent populations.
- Fruits and berries: During the warmer months, foxes supplement their diet with fruits like berries, apples, and even seeds from urban gardens or parks.
- Birds and small animals: Although scavenging forms a large part of their diet, foxes are still capable hunters. Birds, squirrels, and rabbits occasionally fall prey to them, especially in areas where food is scarce.
Where Do Foxes Sleep?
Urban foxes are adept at finding places to sleep that offer safety and quiet during the day. They are nocturnal and will sleep during daylight hours, emerging at night to hunt or scavenge. Some of their favorite resting places include:
- Gardens and parks: Foxes often find secluded spots in well-maintained gardens, beneath hedges, or dense shrubs. They also make use of urban parks, such as Hyde Park, Richmond Park, or Regent’s Park, where they can remain hidden during the day.
- Under sheds and outbuildings: Many urban foxes will sleep under garden sheds, decks, or in other man-made structures. These spots offer them a safe place to hide and rest without being disturbed.
- Abandoned buildings or alleyways: London’s many derelict buildings and quiet alleys serve as perfect dens for foxes. These offer shelter and darkness, mimicking natural dens they would build in the wild.
Where to Spot Foxes in London
If you’re keen to see a fox in London, it’s not difficult, especially at night or during dawn and dusk when they are most active. Foxes have become surprisingly comfortable in urban settings, and many are unfazed by the presence of humans. Some of the best places to see them include:
- Residential Streets: Foxes are often seen prowling suburban areas and even city streets at night. They wander through gardens and backyards, sometimes venturing close to human homes in search of food. Areas like Hackney, Islington, and Haringey are known for frequent fox sightings.
- Parks and Green Spaces: London’s many parks offer foxes large areas to roam and hunt. Hampstead Heath, Richmond Park, Battersea Park, and Greenwich Park are all hotspots for urban foxes. In these more natural settings, foxes can be spotted at the edges of woodland or darting across paths during quieter times.
- Railway Lines and Embankments: Railway embankments, with their overgrown vegetation and relative seclusion, are popular spots for fox dens. The untended areas provide an ideal environment for hunting small mammals, and you can often catch glimpses of foxes scurrying along these lines in the early morning.
Fox attacks on Humans: Rare but Possible
Foxes in London are generally wary of humans, but there have been a few high-profile incidents of foxes interacting with people. While the majority of encounters are harmless, there have been rare instances of foxes entering homes or attacking small children.
One of the most infamous cases occurred in 2010, when twin babies in Hackney were attacked by a fox that entered their house through an open door. The babies, who were asleep in their cots, were bitten on their arms and face. Both survived the attack after receiving medical treatment, but the incident caused national alarm about the presence of foxes in urban areas. Similarly, in 2013, a fox bit a four-week-old baby in South London, leading to injuries that required surgery
Despite these shocking events, fox attacks remain extremely rare. The majority of foxes will avoid direct interaction with humans, preferring to stay hidden and scavenge for food at night.
Coexisting with Foxes in the City
Foxes play a crucial role in London’s ecosystem by controlling rodent populations, which can otherwise cause significant problems in the city. For most Londoners, foxes are a welcome addition to the urban landscape, a symbol of nature thriving amidst the hustle and bustle. However, there are a few ways to ensure peaceful coexistence:
- Secure bins and food waste: Ensure that food waste is securely contained, as this is the main attractor for urban foxes.
- Don’t feed them: While it might be tempting, feeding foxes can lead to them becoming overly familiar with humans, increasing the risk of encounters.
- Maintain gardens and yards: Overgrown areas can attract foxes looking for places to den, so keeping gardens tidy can help discourage them from setting up a home too close to yours.
In many ways, the urban fox is a symbol of survival, adaptation, and resilience. For those living in London, spotting a fox can feel like a reminder that nature is never too far away, even in the heart of a city.