The Great London Fox Census: How Many Fuzzy Faces Are Actually Out There?
Ah, the urban fox. London's resident redhead (well, more rusty orange really), bin-raiding rummager, and nocturnal serenader with a voice that could curdle milk. But just how many of these cunning critters are actually padding around the city's streets, dodging double-decker buses and eyeing up discarded kebabs? That, my friends, is a question that has baffled researchers and pub quiz champions for years.
Counting Critters: Mission Impossible?
Let's face it, foxes are clever. They're not exactly lining up for a headcount, are they? They're more the type to sneak in, grab a pasty, and disappear into the night like furry ninjas. Official estimates are a bit fuzzy, with the last national survey happening in the late 1980s (think neon leg warmers and big hair).
However, the London Wildlife Trust has taken a stab at it, guesstimating a population of around 10,000 foxes. That's a whole lotta bushy tails and mischievous grins!
Fox Fun Facts:
- Foxes are surprisingly adaptable. They've turned London's parks, gardens, and even backyards into their own personal hunting grounds.
- They're omnivores, which means they'll scoff down pretty much anything they can find, from fruit to fallen pigeons (sorry, pigeons!).
- Those haunting nighttime screams you hear? That's a fox vixen calling out to a mate. Not exactly romantic, is it?
So, Are We Overrun by Foxes?
Maybe not overrun, but they've definitely carved out a comfy niche for themselves in the concrete jungle. The recent increase in sightings might be because they're getting bolder, or it could just be that with more people staying home during the pandemic, there's more opportunity to spot them!
How to Live Alongside London's Foxy Residents:
- Keep your bins fox-proof. These guys are Houdini-level escape artists when it comes to a good bin.
- Don't leave out pet food. It might seem like a good deed, but it can attract unwanted guests.
- Enjoy the show! Foxes can be quite entertaining to watch (from a safe distance, of course).
Foxy FAQs:
How to fox-proof my bin? Invest in a sturdy bin with a secure lid. Bungee cords are your friend!
How to deter foxes from my garden? Motion-sensor sprinklers are a humane way to keep them at bay. They don't like getting soaked!
How to tell if a fox has visited my garden? Look for paw prints or diggings. They might even leave you a "present" – like a chewed-up toy. Lovely.
How dangerous are foxes? Foxes are generally shy and will avoid humans. However, if they feel cornered, they might scratch or bite.
How to make friends with a fox? Don't! Foxes are wild animals and should be treated with respect.
