United Kingdom, Foxes, earthworms, small mammals, birds
Foxes are wild animals that scavenge in the urban areas and have over the years adapted to the city environment. They have broad adaptability, are widely distributed and can live in diverse habitats. They usually move in a huge pack in search of food in places where resources are scattered. They can take one day to occupy an area after being eliminated in densely populated urban settings. Thus, it is impossible to create an area that foxes will not infiltrate and expand. Since they are omnivorous, they can easily adapt to any food available.
Their diet consists of insects, earthworms, small mammals, birds and foods provided by residents. They breed once per year with an average litter of five cubs. However, they have a high mortality rate where most die 14 months after birth. The major causes of death are winter, car accidents, bacterial and viral infection and fights with other foxes (Bynum 2004). Majority of urban residents have interacted freely with these animals by allowing them into their compounds and feeding them. The essay explores the menace caused by the urban foxes and how to control them. It also discusses the effect of economic and social changes on the fox habitat in urban areas.
[...] Fencing is a safe method of deterring foxes from entering homes. Secure fences should be built at least 45cm in the ground, two meters high with a 30 cm overhead at the top. There should be flexible trelliswork on the top of the fence to keep off foxes that might try to jump over the fence. Killing foxes is regarded as a less effective way of eliminating foxes. Since they live in marked territories, when one is killed the others quickly notice its absence and occupy its territory. [...]
[...] Should urban foxes be excluded United Kingdom Outline I. Urban fox II. The problems that the urban fox causes in the UK and the need for exclusion III. Disadvantages of foxes IV. Deterring foxes from residential areas V. Aspects of the economic and social growth in Britain and how it is affecting the urban fox habitat VI. Conclusion Urban fox Foxes are wild animals that scavenge in the urban areas and have over the years adapted to the city environment. [...]
[...] For instance, when mange spread from the surrounding countryside and entered Bristol city in early 1994, it killed nearly 95% of the fox population in two years. Today, their population has greatly reduced compared to the decades before a mange epidemic. On the contrary, their supporters see them as a constant reminder of the wilderness that was teeming with animals before it became a city of concrete structures. In reality, children are more susceptible to be attacked by domestic dogs and other urban pets then by foxes. [...]
[...] Conclusion The nature, origin and development of the urban foxes, have been discussed in this easy. It has been found out that foxes are not seriously harmful to residents and their property. Thus, many people are against the use of inhuman methods to control them. Also, the social-economic changes in urban areas have no major implications on the lives of foxes for they can easily adapt to any new environment. Lastly, most people appreciate the animals and would wish to have them continue living in the cities. [...]
[...] Also, trapping is not effective since the foxes are intelligent enough not to be ensnared by the traps. Shooting them is greatly discouraged for lack of safety. Moreover, residents might be expected by the Council to pay for the pest control measures. Due to low success rates of the methods used, most households may refuse to support such a program. Legal protection of foxes The Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996 protects foxes from ill- treatment and abuse of any kind. [...]
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