
The Problem With Feeding Foxes
Some see foxes as a threat. They believe that they carry disease and that their pets, children, and they themselves are at risk if foxes live in their neighborhood. Fear of red foxes is unnecessary if one is educated about them. Foxes rarely attack household pets such as cats and dogs. It is wise for pet owners not to leave pets out overnight however, especially smaller breeds as well as puppies or kittens. Human should not fear healthy foxes as they pose no threat if they are not carrying a disease. Foxes very rarely display aggressive behaviour and are becoming increasingly used to interaction with humans. High population numbers in urban areas where humans and foxes live in close quarters is one of the reasons for increased interaction. On the rare occasion when a fox does display aggression towards humans it is most likely because the fox has been cornered or is threatened. Typically, foxes will attempt to flee or hide when they come into contact with humans.
Although healthy foxes are not a threat, foxes carrying a disease are. Foxes are capable of carrying mange, distemper, rabies, and other diseases. Foxes may show signs of disease by displaying abnormal behaviour such as aggression, limping, disorientation, or being overly-friendly towards humans. If you see a fox that is displaying questionable behaviour, you should call animal control immediately. Never attempt to approach a fox displaying abnormal behaviour yourself.
If you do not wish to attract foxes to your property, it is important not to leave any garbage, pet food, or other potential food sources accessible to foxes. Garbage containers should be stored away or animal proofed. Many people enjoying seeing foxes around their homes. Foxes are fun to watch, especially when they have young in the spring and summer. There are benefits to having foxes around your property. They are capable of significantly reducing the rodent and insect populations. Foxes are likely to stick around and make an area part of their territory if there are abundant food resources.
At the present time, the reality in Prince Edward Island is that humans and foxes live in close quarters with one another due to coyote population that has sprung up on the island and driven foxes into urban areas. It is not likely that the presence of foxes in urban areas of PEI will change anytime soon. It is important that people learn how live harmoniously with wildlife, such as the red fox. Although it may seem like a helpful, fun, or interesting idea to feed foxes in your neighborhood, it really helps neither the fox nor humans in the long run. When humans feed foxes it creates dependence in foxes on humans. It is important not to encourage this dependence. Foxes are wild animals and need to be able to forage and feed themselves and their young without help from humans. Feeding foxes also gradually makes foxes lose their natural fear of humans. Even if they do become accustomed to approaching humans, foxes are wild animals and a friendly encounter can quickly turn into an aggressive and very dangerous one. The red fox population has existed up until the present day by utilizing their natural and instinctive abilities to hunt and survive. The population is in no danger of going extinct and there is no need for humans to feed foxes. In fact, what humans decide to feed to foxes may not be the healthiest or most nutritious for them. They have an extremely varied diet and can utilize many naturally occurring food sources so if one is not available to them they can easy switch to another that is available.
Overall, it is safer and smarter for humans to admire and observe foxes from a distance. The red fox is an amazing creature that is capable of fending for itself as it always has. When humans learn that they should keep their distance and not feed foxes, it is safer for everyone including children, pets, and the red fox too.

Source:
Canadian Wildlife Federation
http://cwf-fcf.org/en/discover-wildlife/flora-fauna/fauna/mammals/red-fox.html