Fox spotted on base -- residents urged to keep safety in mind

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Lisa Spilinek
  • 66th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
HANSCOM AFB, Mass. --  A fox has been seen roaming base grounds. The animal is not considered a threat to human safety, but base personnel and residents should take precautions if they encounter the animal. 

"This particular fox has been roaming around base for a few months now," said Army Sgt. Alicia Altman, Hanscom Veterinary Treatment Facility noncommissioned officer in charge. "The fox is lame in one of its hind legs making it difficult for the animal to hunt its food." 

Foxes are found throughout Massachusetts and it is against state law to remove a fox and release it into another area. Lethal removal is permitted only if the animal is considered a threat to human safety. 

"Foxes are opportunistic hunters and it is therefore recommended that all small pets be kept indoors or under close supervision when outside. If you spot the fox, please keep your dog inside the house until the fox has left to avoid any confrontations."

Foxes are usually the size of a medium-size dog, but with longer, with thicker fur. Foxes are approximately 22 to 32 inches in length with adults weighing from six to 15 pounds.

The fox is usually recognized by its reddish coat and black "leg-stockings." Red is the most common dominant color, but the coat, up to three or four inches long, may vary from light yellow to a deep auburn red to a frosted black. The white tip on the tail will distinguish the fox from any other species at any age. 

"We encourage everyone to take the appropriate precautions and to report any direct contact with the animal to Public Health to ensure that any necessary health and safety precautions are taken." 

The following tips from the Department of Wildlife Web site should be followed to prevent human/fox conflicts. 

Don't let foxes intimidate you. Don't hesitate to scare or threaten foxes with loud noises and bright lights. If a water hose is close at hand, spray the fox with water in the face. Let the fox know it is unwelcome in your area. 

Secure your garbage. Foxes will raid open trash materials and compost piles. Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight fitting lids and keep in secure buildings when possible. Take out trash the morning pick up is scheduled, not the previous night. Keep compost piles in containers designed to contain but vent the material.

Don't feed or try to pet foxes. Keep wild things wild. Feeding, whether direct or indirect, can cause foxes to act tame and over time may lead to bold behavior. Foxes that rely on natural food items remain wild and wary of humans. 

Keep your pets safe. Although free roaming pets are more likely to be killed by automobiles than by wild animals, foxes do view cats and small dogs as potential food and larger dogs as competition. For the safety of your pets keep them restrained at all times. 

Feed pets indoors. Outdoor feeding attracts many wild animals to your door.
Keep bird feeding areas clean. Use feeders designed to keep seed off the ground as the seed attracts many small mammals that foxes prey upon. Remove feeders if foxes are regularly seen around your yard. 

Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds. Foxes use such areas for resting and raising young. 

Cut back brushy edges in your yard. These areas provide cover for foxes and their prey.