The fox is widespread throughout mainland Britain and there is estimated to be a population of 357,000 (Mathews et al 2018). The fox is well established in the British countryside and country folk know only too well the devastation a fox can cause in a chicken coop or release pen as well as in lambing season. But over the last 30 years the fox has also colonised our cities and towns. This is due to human population growth, food waste and lack of fox control.

Foxes can cause a number of problems in an urban environment such as fouling or digging up gardens, playing fields or golf courses. They do this to hunt for invertebrates or to establish a den in an area or under a shed or building. Bin raiding can also be a big problem and this can lead to other pest problems such as flies and rats.

They can cause destruction to property and also the smell of foxes can be very overpowering if they have got into open buildings, sheds or under a vehicle etc. Foxes carry a number of parasites and diseases such as sarcoptic mange which can be transferred to dogs.