At Black Foxes UK, we often receive questions from the public about our work with foxes, particularly when it comes to those that are reported to us. A common question we hear is: “What do you do with the foxes reported?”
It’s a great question and one that allows us to explain the heart of what we do. Our mission is simple: we save and protect foxes. But what does that actually look like in practice? Let’s take a look behind the scenes at how we manage the foxes reported to us, whether they’re wild or domesticated.
Monitoring the Melanistic Fox Population
One of the unique aspects of our work is tracking and studying the population of melanistic (black or silver) foxes. These foxes, distinguished by their striking dark coats, have often sparked curiosity and concern when seen in urban areas. People naturally want to know more about them, and some even wonder whether they are pets that have escaped or truly wild foxes.
For over a decade, we’ve been monitoring these foxes to better understand their behaviour and interactions with humans. Melanistic foxes are often bolder than their red-coated cousins, and this can be influenced by their genetics or by being fed by humans. We’ve followed some of these foxes for years and have become so familiar with them that we can recognize individual animals by their faces! This long-term monitoring helps us identify whether a fox is a local wild fox or potentially an escaped pet.
In areas like London and Halifax, where there are larger melanistic populations, we work closely with local communities. Our goal is to connect the people seeing the same foxes to ensure that these animals are not overfed, over-medicated or over-habituated to human presence. The healthier and wilder these foxes remain, the better they can coexist with people.
Rescuing and Rehoming Escaped Silver Foxes
In addition to our work with wild foxes, we’re deeply involved in assisting in the rescue and rehoming of silver foxes—domesticated foxes that have escaped or been abandoned. Over the years—and with the role thrust upon us—we’ve successfully assisted in the rescue and rehoming of more than 30 silver foxes, and each case has its own unique challenges.
When a silver fox is reported to us, we assess the situation to determine whether it’s a pet in need of rescue or a wild animal that’s better off left alone. One such story is that of Luna, a silver fox who was abandoned and, tragically, caught in a snare. After being rescued, Luna had to undergo surgery to amputate a foot, but thanks to the care she received, she was successfully rehomed and now enjoys a better life.
Each rescue highlights how vulnerable these animals can be when they find themselves outside of the environments they’re used to. But with the right care and attention, we can give them a second chance.
Want to know more about Luna’s story? Abandoned Fox Gets Amputation After Caught in a Snare
Understanding the Legal Landscape
In the UK, the laws surrounding foxes are complicated. If a melanistic or silver fox is reported to us, it’s not always easy to tell whether it’s a native wild fox or an escaped pet. This is particularly true if the fox isn’t displaying behaviour that would clearly identify it as domesticated. Without an owner coming forward, and if the fox is healthy, there are strict limits on what can be done.
This complexity is a reminder of how interconnected our fox populations have become. Since the 1800s, melanistic and silver foxes have been interbreeding with native populations, especially as a result of fur farms and escapes. In fact, our native foxes have been so impacted by history that many of the animals we see today are already genetic mixes. It’s a fascinating and ongoing story of adaptation and survival.
Given the lack of clear legislation on fox keeping, we are actively pushing for legislative change to better regulate the ownership and care of pet foxes. These changes would help ensure the welfare of both wild and domesticated foxes while also providing clearer guidelines for their management. By working towards stronger regulations, we aim to safeguard the future of the UK’s fox populations, addressing both the conservation of our last wild dog species and the challenges posed by escaped or released pets.
Want to know more about the legislative Change called for? The Call to Regulate Fox Keeping
Working Together for Fox Conservation
Our role at Black Foxes UK is to bring communities and information together. By understanding the behaviours and movements of these foxes, we’re able to provide guidance to locals on how best to coexist with them. We gather and share information to ensure these foxes are safe, healthy, and as wild as possible.
Foxes are the last wild dog species in the UK, and it’s up to us to ensure their place in our natural world is understood and respected. Whether it’s rescuing a lost silver fox or following a melanistic fox through its urban adventures, our focus remains the same:
Protecting foxes, promoting harmony between people and wildlife, and building a better future for our ecosystems.
