While it might seem like a kind act to feed foxes, it’s actually a really bad idea. Wild foxes that become accustomed to humans may lose their natural wariness, leading them into dangerous situations with dogs, cats and even cars.
Encouraging foxes to rely on humans for food can disrupt their natural behaviors and make them more vulnerable to disease, including sarcoptic mange.
Additionally, foxes that regularly visit gardens and homes can leave behind fox scat and fox droppings, which may carry parasites. If you want to help local foxes, the best way is to protect their natural habitat and ensure that their food sources remain intact in the wild.
We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.
