Hi everyone:

So in the last 10 days or so I have been followed by a fox on our morning dog walk twice. The first time the fox probably got within 10 yards or so of me and my dog. I threw a rock in its general direction and that didn't seem to spook it away.

Today the fox got close again and I ended up throwing two rocks in its general direction and it didn't spook again.

I don't want to harm the fox in anyway, but i definitely want to establish some safe boundaries.

Any idea on what i can do to keep the fox away at a safe distance?

Thank you in advance for any advice.

Matt

Squirt gun.
Mrs. BGR

Have the neighbors stop feeding the fox.

Hello,

I'm usually just a reader and don't reply. Fox can be pretty bold. The only thought I had was that there has been an uptick in rabies in Jefferson County with bats and skunks. Fox can be rabies carriers. Just thought I'd mention it..not to be paranoid.

Thank you everyone for the comments.

I didn't think of the squirt gun idea.

Super Soaker here I come!!!

I had a fox once that played with my Goldens from the other side of the fenced in yard one morning. He/she would run one direction and the Goldens would chase, from inside the yard of course. Then the fox would get down on its front legs in a playful stance, like dogs do then run the other direction with the dogs chasing again, from inside the yard. This went on for about 5 min before the fox decided it was time to go move on. It was autumn I recall. The episode was cute to watch. I did not see it again. I figured it had moved on; perhaps looking for a warm den for the upcoming winter. It appeared to be a young fox and perhaps was not aware of what the dogs could do to it. I would never allow my fur babies to hurt an animal; however, they do get to see plenty of forest neighbors passing thru. This was the first in the 14 years I've lived on the mountain that stopped to play.

Never had a fox follow when I walk my Goldens. That is a strange occurence.

could be a young one that lost mom and is just trying to bond. I know it is not good and I think your idea of trying to create boundaries without hurting it, is good

I hadn't even thought of it wanting to bond. I would love to be his little buddy, but I don't think that isn't good for him

Thanks everyone for the additional comments.

Fox followed my Chow & I every morning in Roxborough park. Sometimes he or she would follow a ways, sometimes follow a bit then climb a hill, sleep on top & watch us. Just did our own thing and didnt encourage or chase it. Was great fun for a summer. Coyote once came and played with Chow for a good hour. I was a bit worried that she was trying to lure him off to eat him, but not the case. You might just let it go and enjoy seeing them. Was a great experience.

Thank you. The behavior just seemed odd, but I appreciate this comment.

Several years ago, I had a fox follow me on my early morning walk in our neighborhood. I had the rabies series of shots when I was a young man and not wishing to repeat that, I was a little concerned. When I stopped, the fox stopped. When I started walking, the fox followed again. Finally, I threw a rock that bounced within 10 feet of the fox who chased it and investigated it. This made me think this guy was fed by someone, not afraid of people, and looking for a handout. This happened only once.

The squirt gun is a good idea. I water is not effective, ammonia will do the job.