{"id":2871,"date":"2024-11-05T10:36:25","date_gmt":"2024-11-05T10:36:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/advice\/deer-advice-2\/"},"modified":"2026-01-06T15:27:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-06T15:27:11","slug":"fox","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/advice\/fox\/","title":{"rendered":"Fox"},"content":{"rendered":"<section class=\"hero bg-Rose\">\n      <div data-aos=\"fade-in\" data-aos-delay=\"700\" class=\"bg-img bg-cover img-wrap-rel\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1369\" height=\"827\" src=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Fox-Banner-e1730803112745-1369x827.jpg\" class=\"img-ab focal-point-image\" alt=\"Fox\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Fox-Banner-e1730803112745-1369x827.jpg 1369w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Fox-Banner-e1730803112745-300x181.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Fox-Banner-e1730803112745-1024x619.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Fox-Banner-e1730803112745-768x464.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Fox-Banner-e1730803112745-1536x928.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Fox-Banner-e1730803112745-2048x1237.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Fox-Banner-e1730803112745-245x148.jpg 245w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Fox-Banner-e1730803112745-600x362.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1369px) 100vw, 1369px\" style=\" --focal-point-left: 0.5; --focal-point-top: 0.5; \" \/>  <\/div>\n      <div class=\"container-xl py-5 d-flex align-items-center\">\n        <div class=\"hero-content py-4\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap btn-mob-full pe-0 pe-lg-2\">\n                                    <h1>Fox<\/h1>\n                                <p>Understanding foxes: where they live, what they eat, their young, and the challenges they face<\/p>\n\t                                                                                                        <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"options\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"jump-links\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n        <div class=\"rose-wrap\">\n                            <p>\n                    <strong>On this page:<\/strong>\n                <\/p>\n                                        <ul>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#where\" target=\"_self\">Where foxes live<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#what\" target=\"_self\">What foxes eat<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#wild\" target=\"_self\">That\u2019s wild!<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#when\" target=\"_self\">When fox cubs are born<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#garden\" target=\"_self\">Foxes visiting your garden<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#deter\" target=\"_self\">How to deter foxes from your garden<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#feed\" target=\"_self\">Feeding foxes<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#keep\" target=\"_self\">Keeping a fox as a pet<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#disease\" target=\"_self\">Diseases carried by foxes<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#persecution\" target=\"_self\">Threats and persecution<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#snare\" target=\"_self\">Snares and traps<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#hunting\" target=\"_self\">Hunting and baiting<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#pest\" target=\"_self\">Pest control involving foxes<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                            <li>\n                                                            <a href=\"#common\" target=\"_self\">Common problem foxes face<\/a>\n                                                    <\/li>\n                                    <\/ul>\n                    <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <p>Whilst large populations live in rural areas, many others are more at home in our towns and cities.<\/p>\n<p>The type of fox found in Scotland is the European fox which is famed for its distinctive red fur, white chest, pointy ears and bushy tail.<\/p>\n<p>Although foxes can live up to around nine years in the wild, the majority will only survive a few years, mostly due to road traffic accidents. Foxes are typically active from dusk into the night when there are fewer people around, but can sometimes be spotted in the day during the mating season.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"where\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2><strong>Where foxes live<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Once associated with more rural habitats, foxes are now widespread across mainland Scotland. Urban foxes, first enticed into towns and cities by the lure of more reliable sources of food, have adapted well to living closer to humans.<\/p>\n<p>Foxes are fiercely territorial animals. They are excellent diggers and live underground in excavated burrows called earths or dens. These can be dug using a rabbit warren as a starting point, or can be made from scratch.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s easy to mistake a fox earth for a badger sett. However, foxes bring food back to the den so fur or feathers around the entrance would indicate that a family of foxes lives there.<\/p>\n<p>Foxes are very adaptable and can live above ground too so you may find them denning in a sheltered spot, like under your shed.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"what\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2><strong>What foxes eat<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Foxes are omnivorous hunters with a very diverse diet, meaning they can eat small animals they catch like rabbits, rodents, birds and frogs but will also enjoy fruit and berries.<\/p>\n<p>Urban foxes will also scavenge for food, feasting on anything left behind by humans.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"wild\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  py-5\" data-bs-theme=\"light\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2><strong>That&#8217;s wild!<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>If foxes come across a large supply of food, they will stockpile anything they don\u2019t eat right away to feed on later.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"when\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2><strong>When fox cubs are born<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Foxes are social animals and the family unit usually consists of a breeding pair and their young.<\/p>\n<p>Mating takes place in Winter. Listen out for the loud barking or screaming noises they make as they try to attract a mate and ward off rivals. Although this can sound alarming, it\u2019s not a cause for concern and the foxes do not need our help.<\/p>\n<p>The female will give birth to a litter of around four or five cubs in spring. Fox cubs are born on the bare ground of the den.<\/p>\n<p>Fox cubs are born deaf and blind. Like domestic puppies, they depend on their mother\u2019s milk until they can start eating solid food at around four weeks old. Fox cubs are usually completely weaned by the time they are twelve weeks of age.<\/p>\n<p>By Autumn, the cubs should be fully self-sufficient and will leave to find their own territories.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"garden\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2><strong>Foxes visiting your garden<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>It\u2019s fairly common for foxes living in towns and cities to venture into gardens, seeking food and shelter. Whilst it can be exciting to see a fox in your garden, wild animals can be unpredictable.<\/p>\n<p>Always maintain a safe distance from foxes as they can bite when they feel threatened by humans, particularly if they have cubs.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"deter\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2>How to deter foxes from your garden<\/h2>\n<p>Foxes are protected from abuse and ill treatment by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/ukpga\/1996\/3\/contents\">Wild Mammals (Protection) Act 1996<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>This makes it an offence to cause harm to any wild mammal with intent to inflict unnecessary suffering. Penalties can include a \u00a35000 fine or six months in prison.<\/p>\n<p>If you have a persistent problem with foxes entering your garden, there is plenty of humane steps you can take before breeding season (December to February) to discourage them without causing harm.<\/p>\n<p>Foxes will scavenge through litter for food so make sure your bins are secure and the lids are closed. You should also check there are no food sources in your garden as foxes will continue returning to a location if there is a ready supply.<\/p>\n<p>Keep your garden clean and tidy. Foxes are at home in areas which offer great shelter, so an untidy and overgrown garden is great for that. Make sure there are no gaps under sheds and other structures to prevent foxes from making a den.<\/p>\n<p>Fencing or prickly plants may also deter foxes.<\/p>\n<p>Foxes are territorial animals, meaning if one leaves your garden, another fox is likely to turn up to claim it. You can try using an artificial scent-marker to deter a fox. It is against the law to use any substance to deter foxes which has not been approved for such use and the Scottish SPCA will investigate any reports of foxes being harmed in this way. Using inhumane deterrents such as broken glass or spikes on walls and fences can cause serious harm to foxes and other animals.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"feed\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2><strong>Can I feed a fox?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>There&#8217;s no law against feeding foxes, however, we would <b>not<\/b> recommend providing food for them because:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>They will eventually lose the ability to hunt for themselves, an essential skill for survival in the wild.<\/li>\n<li>Certain foods could cause harm to foxes such as chicken bones and grapes or raisins.<\/li>\n<li>Food may attract other animals including rodents or other people\u2019s pets.<\/li>\n<li>Your neighbours may not wish to encourage them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Never attempt to get too close or hand-feed foxes.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"keep\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2>Keeping a fox as a pet<\/h2>\n<p>We would strongly recommend people do not attempt to domesticate foxes. They are naturally wild and it is not in the best interests of their welfare to be kept as a pet.<\/p>\n<p>If you have come across a fox cub you think might have been abandoned but looks healthy, please leave the animal alone and check our advice on lone baby animals.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"disease\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2>Diseases carried by foxes<\/h2>\n<p>Like most mammals, foxes can carry a range of parasites and diseases, such as fleas, ticks and ringworm, which theoretically could affect humans. It\u2019s best to avoid touching any wild animal but if you absolutely have to, wear protective gloves and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"persecution\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2>Threats and persecution<\/h2>\n<p>With more houses being built in green spaces, foxes face a loss of habitat and move closer and closer to cities to find food and shelter. Sadly, urban foxes have gained a bit of a reputation as a pest species because they scavenge through waste looking for food. Also, when food is scarce, there can be instances where foxes kill and eat domestic birds like hens and ducks. However, they can also be seen as a welcome addition to gardens by wildlife lovers.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"snare\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2><strong>Snares and traps<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In 2024, after 30 years of campaigning, a ban on glue traps and snares was finally introduced by the Scottish Government with\u00a0 the update to the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/asp\/2024\/4\">Wildlife Management and Muirburn (Scotland) Act 2024<\/a> (opens in new window).<\/p>\n<p>Foxes can sometimes get caught in snares and traps which have been legally set. It is illegal for anyone to tamper with a legally set snare or trap so we would ask the public not to attempt this. If you suspect a device is set illegally, call our helpline immediately on 03000 999 999.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"hunting\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2><strong>Hunting and baiting<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>We strongly oppose the killing of any animal for \u2018sport\u2019. It is against the law to hunt a wild mammal using a dog except in limited circumstances, such as preventing the spread of disease or protecting livestock. In these limited circumstances packs are limited to two dogs and the animal must be humanely dispatched immediately by a licensed marksman to prevent suffering.<\/p>\n<p>Unfortunately, illegal hunts and animal fighting still take place in Scotland. It is a barbaric practice which has no place in a civilised society.<\/p>\n<p>If you know of anyone involved in animal fighting, or suspect it is happening in your area, you can report it to Police Scotland\u2019s wildlife crime unit by calling 101.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"pest\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2><strong>Pest control involving foxes<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>It is not illegal to use lethal methods of pest control to cull foxes for the purposes of protecting livestock and preventing damage to crops or property, but the animal <b>must<\/b> be humanely dispatched to prevent suffering.<\/p>\n<p>Any damage to property or land caused by foxes is the responsibility of the landowner. Likewise, poultry owners who have problems with foxes are responsible for keeping their animals safe.<\/p>\n<p>If you suspect someone is using illicit means to control the species, please contact us on 03000 999 999.<\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\t<a id=\"common\"><\/a>\n<section class=\"text-block\">\n    <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"inner  my-5\" data-bs-theme=\"white\">\n        <div class=\"container-xl wrapper-sm\">\n            <div class=\"content-wrap\">\n                <h2><strong>Common problems foxes face<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h6><b>Road traffic accidents <\/b><\/h6>\n<p>Sadly, the greatest threat to foxes is humans. Many foxes are hurt or killed in road traffic collisions every year. Click <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/advice\/on-the-road\/\">here<\/a> for further advice.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h6><b>Sick or injured foxes<\/b><\/h6>\n<p>If you find a fox that is immobile or unable to move normally, call our helpline on 03000 999 999.<\/p>\n<p>Signs to be aware of include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Twitching<\/li>\n<li>Not reacting to noise<\/li>\n<li>Falling over<\/li>\n<li>Not moving away when approached by a human<\/li>\n<li>Open wounds<\/li>\n<li>Breathing with mouth open or panting heavily<\/li>\n<li>Lots of flies around the fox<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Foxes who are limping but otherwise look healthy do not usually need our help as it\u2019s likely to be the result of a historic injury which has healed incorrectly.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><b>Abandoned fox cubs<\/b><\/p>\n<p>It is normal for a vixen to leave her young in a safe place while moving from one disturbed den to another location or when the cubs are being weaned<em>.<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em>March\/April<\/em> &#8211; leave the cubs alone and monitor them from a safe distance for at least three hours.<\/p>\n<p><em>May onwards<\/em> &#8211; Monitor for a minimum of six to twelve hours.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h6><strong>Supporting documents<\/strong><\/h6>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.scot\/news\/hunting-with-dogs-bill-introduced-to-parliament\/\">Hunting with Dogs (Scotland) Bill<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legislation.gov.uk\/asp\/2011\/6\/section\/13\/enacted\">Wildlife and Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2011 \u2013 Legislation on the use of snares<\/a><\/p>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n        <section class=\"related pt-5 pb-5 d-md-block\">\n      <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"container-xl wrapper-md\">\n        <div class=\"heading-wrap row mb-4\">\n          <div class=\"col-12 col-md-6 mb-4\">\n            <h2>Find out more<\/h2>\n          <\/div>\n          <div class=\"col-12 col-md-6 mb-4\">\n            <div class=\"btn-wrap\">\n              <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/advice\/\" class=\"btn btn-outline-primary\">All Advice &#038; Care<\/a>                <\/div>\n          <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"post-list\">\n          <div class=\"row g-2 g-md-4 post-slider slider-more-arrow\">\n                        <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 rel-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/advice\/fox\/what-do-foxes-eat\/\" class=\"post-item pb-3 d-flex flex-column h-100\">\n                    <div class=\"img-wrap mb-3\">\n                        <div class=\"img bg-cover img-wrap-rel\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1678\" src=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SSPCA-FISHCROSS-FOX-RELEASE-SEP-4-EDIT-scaled.jpg\" class=\"img-ab focal-point-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SSPCA-FISHCROSS-FOX-RELEASE-SEP-4-EDIT-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SSPCA-FISHCROSS-FOX-RELEASE-SEP-4-EDIT-300x197.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SSPCA-FISHCROSS-FOX-RELEASE-SEP-4-EDIT-1024x671.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SSPCA-FISHCROSS-FOX-RELEASE-SEP-4-EDIT-768x503.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SSPCA-FISHCROSS-FOX-RELEASE-SEP-4-EDIT-1536x1007.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SSPCA-FISHCROSS-FOX-RELEASE-SEP-4-EDIT-2048x1342.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SSPCA-FISHCROSS-FOX-RELEASE-SEP-4-EDIT-1369x897.jpg 1369w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SSPCA-FISHCROSS-FOX-RELEASE-SEP-4-EDIT-245x161.jpg 245w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/SSPCA-FISHCROSS-FOX-RELEASE-SEP-4-EDIT-600x393.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" style=\" --focal-point-left: 0.5; --focal-point-top: 0.5; \" \/>                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"text-wrap flex-fill d-flex flex-column\">\n                      <div class=\"content-wrap heading-underline mb-3\">\n                        <h3 class=\"h5 mb-3 match-height\">What Do Foxes Eat?<\/h3>\n                        <p class=\"excerpt\">Everything you need to know about what these clever creatures eat.<\/p>\n                      <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"btn-wrap mt-auto\">\n                          <span class=\"btn btn-outline-primary btn-arrow ps-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n                      <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 rel-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/advice\/badger\/\" class=\"post-item pb-3 d-flex flex-column h-100\">\n                    <div class=\"img-wrap mb-3\">\n                        <div class=\"img bg-cover img-wrap-rel\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2052\" height=\"1380\" src=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Badger-Banner.jpg\" class=\"img-ab focal-point-image\" alt=\"Badger\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Badger-Banner.jpg 2052w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Badger-Banner-300x202.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Badger-Banner-1024x689.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Badger-Banner-768x516.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Badger-Banner-1536x1033.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Badger-Banner-2048x1377.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Badger-Banner-1369x921.jpg 1369w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Badger-Banner-245x165.jpg 245w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Badger-Banner-600x404.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2052px) 100vw, 2052px\" style=\" --focal-point-left: 0.5; --focal-point-top: 0.5; \" \/>                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"text-wrap flex-fill d-flex flex-column\">\n                      <div class=\"content-wrap heading-underline mb-3\">\n                        <h3 class=\"h5 mb-3 match-height\">Badger<\/h3>\n                        <p class=\"excerpt\">Understanding badgers: behaviour, diet, habitats, and common issues<\/p>\n                      <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"btn-wrap mt-auto\">\n                          <span class=\"btn btn-outline-primary btn-arrow ps-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n                      <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                        <div class=\"col-12 col-md-4 rel-item\">\n                <a href=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/advice\/hedgehog\/what-does-hedgehog-poo-look-like\/\" class=\"post-item pb-3 d-flex flex-column h-100\">\n                    <div class=\"img-wrap mb-3\">\n                        <div class=\"img bg-cover img-wrap-rel\">\n                            <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"768\" height=\"470\" src=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Hedgehog-SAS.jpg\" class=\"img-ab focal-point-image\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Hedgehog-SAS.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Hedgehog-SAS-300x184.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Hedgehog-SAS-245x150.jpg 245w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/Hedgehog-SAS-600x367.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px\" style=\" --focal-point-left: 0.5; --focal-point-top: 0.5; \" \/>                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"text-wrap flex-fill d-flex flex-column\">\n                      <div class=\"content-wrap heading-underline mb-3\">\n                        <h3 class=\"h5 mb-3 match-height\">What does hedgehog poo look like?<\/h3>\n                        <p class=\"excerpt\">Everything you need to know about our prickly pals\u2019 poo.<\/p>\n                      <\/div>\n                      <div class=\"btn-wrap mt-auto\">\n                          <span class=\"btn btn-outline-primary btn-arrow ps-2\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n                      <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/a>\n            <\/div>\n                      <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/section>\n    \n\n<section id=\"donate-163775\" class=\"donate-block  mt-5 pt-5 pb-5\">\n\n    \n\t            <div data-aos=\"fade-up\" class=\"container-xl\">\n            <div class=\"outer-row row g-5 align-items-center\" data-aos=\"fade-up\">\n                <div class=\"col-lg-2 d-none d-lg-block\">\n                    <div class=\"bg-img bg-cover img-wrap-rel\">\n\t\t\t\t\t    <img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1369\" height=\"655\" src=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/scottishspca-springappeal-homepage-owl-1-1369x655.jpg\" class=\"img-ab focal-point-image\" alt=\"Barn owl\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/scottishspca-springappeal-homepage-owl-1-1369x655.jpg 1369w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/scottishspca-springappeal-homepage-owl-1-300x144.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/scottishspca-springappeal-homepage-owl-1-1024x490.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/scottishspca-springappeal-homepage-owl-1-768x368.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/scottishspca-springappeal-homepage-owl-1-1536x735.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/scottishspca-springappeal-homepage-owl-1-2048x981.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/scottishspca-springappeal-homepage-owl-1-1920x919.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/scottishspca-springappeal-homepage-owl-1-769x368.jpg 769w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/scottishspca-springappeal-homepage-owl-1-245x117.jpg 245w, https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/scottishspca-springappeal-homepage-owl-1-600x287.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1369px) 100vw, 1369px\" style=\" --focal-point-left: 0.5; --focal-point-top: 0.5; \" \/>                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-lg-7\">\n                    <div class=\"donate__content\">\n                        <div class=\"heading-wrap\">\n                            <h2><h2>Wild lives across Scotland need your support<\/h2>\n<p>Last year alone we saw 4,514 arrivals to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre. We depend on donations to keep our doors open. Your support could be the reason the next wild animal survives. <strong>Every \u00a31 matters to Scotland&#8217;s wildlife in our care.<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/h2>\n                        <\/div>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/div>\n                <div class=\"col-lg-3 text-center text-lg-end\">\n                    <a href=\"#XQTYUFMH\" style=\"display: none\"><\/a>\n                    <div class=\"pay-wrap pt-2 text-center\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/payment-logos.svg\" alt=\"Accepted payment methods\" class=\"pay mx-auto img-fluid\"><\/div>                <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n\n    \n<\/section>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Understanding foxes: where they live, what they eat, their young, and the challenges they face<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2873,"parent":1873,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-2871","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.7 (Yoast SEO v27.7) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Fox Advice - SSPCA<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/advice\/fox\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Fox\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Understanding foxes: where they live, what they eat, their young, and the challenges they face\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/advice\/fox\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Scottish SPCA\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/scottishspca\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-01-06T15:27:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.scottishspca.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Fox-Banner-e1730803112745.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2288\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1382\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@ScottishSPCA\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"8 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.scottishspca.org\\\/advice\\\/fox\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.scottishspca.org\\\/advice\\\/fox\\\/\",\"name\":\"Fox Advice - SSPCA\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.scottishspca.org\\\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.scottishspca.org\\\/advice\\\/fox\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.scottishspca.org\\\/advice\\\/fox\\\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.scottishspca.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/Fox-Banner-e1730803112745.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2024-11-05T10:36:25+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-01-06T15:27:11+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.scottishspca.org\\\/advice\\\/fox\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.scottishspca.org\\\/advice\\\/fox\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.scottishspca.org\\\/advice\\\/fox\\\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.scottishspca.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/Fox-Banner-e1730803112745.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.scottishspca.org\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2024\\\/11\\\/Fox-Banner-e1730803112745.jpg\",\"width\":2288,\"height\":1382,\"caption\":\"Fox\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.scottishspca.org\\\/advice\\\/fox\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.scottishspca.org\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Advice &#038; 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