06/06/2026
🦊 Spotted a fox in NC lately? You are not alone! Fox sightings are rising across North Carolina, even during the day and in suburban neighborhoods, especially as more humans move into areas that once belonged to wildlife. Seeing a fox during the daytime does not mean it has rabies. They are just adapting and looking for food sources. Fox attacks are rare and they are typically not aggressive - just curious and sometimes a little bold. However, it is important to keep them wild and wary of humans. If a fox shows signs of rabies (such as severe aggression, stumbling or foaming at the mouth) call your local animal control immediately. It's very important to make sure pets are current on rabies vaccinations!
How to Prevent Fox Conflicts...
Do not feed them: Feeding rewards them for getting close to humans.
Secure your trash: Use tight lids and put bins out on pickup morning.
Move pet food inside: Never leave pet bowls outside overnight.
Block off hiding spots: Close crawl spaces under decks, sheds, and porches.
Clean up yards: Clear fallen fruit and sweep up fallen birdseed.
Protect pets: Keep pets indoors or secure them with fox-proof fencing.
Make noise to scare them away: Yell or bang pots to scare a fox out of your yard.
Evict denning foxes: Place a playing radio or flashlight near the den entrance.
Talk to neighbors: Community action helps keep foxes away. Work together!
For general questions, concerns, and advice about foxes, contact the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission. The Wildlife Helpline is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call: 866-318-2401. Outside of business hours or for less immediate concerns, please email [email protected].
If you're in Orange County and you have concerns about exposure to rabies (rabies spreads to people and animals via saliva, usually through bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucosa (e.g. eyes, mouth, or open wounds)), contact Animal Control at 919-942-7387, option 1, or dial 9-1-1 if you have an emergency (such as animal bites to humans) outside of regular hours.
