Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Foxes

There are two subspecies of kit fox (Vulpes macrotis spp.) in California: The San Joaquin (SJ) kit fox weighing up to 5 lbs. and the slightly smaller Desert kit fox weighing up to 3.5 lbs. Kit foxes have a diverse diet that includes plants, insects, rodents, squirrel, birds, and lizards. Kit fox populations are threatened by major habitat loss; disease; rodenticides; and competition or predation from coyotes, bobcats, and dogs.

• Kit Fox Life History (PDF)
• Kit Fox Range Map (PDF)
• SJ Kit Fox Life History (PDF)
• SJ Kit Fox Range Map (PDF)
• Report a Wildlife Incident

The SJ kit fox is protected under the California Endangered Species Act and the federal Endangered Species Act with the largest population in the city limits of Bakersfield. Urban foxes may eat pet food, human food, or trash. Do not feed kit foxes as they are at risk of food conditioning or habituation to people. Kit fox conflicts may occur due to property damage if denning under houses, schools and worksites, or animal welfare and human health concerns due to sarcoptic mange. Learn more about specific measures to take at home, school, or work!

At Home

• Store trash, recycling, and compost in wildlife-resistant bins.
• Bring small pets, pet food, and water bowls inside at night.
• Install secure fencing around chicken coops and small animal enclosures.
• Remove unsecured trash, pet food, and strongly scented items from yard.
• Avoid using rodent poisons. Kit foxes are at high risk of rodenticide poisoning.
• Eliminate access to potential den sites (e.g., crawl spaces under decks). Make sure it is unused first.

At Schools and Parks

• Take down sport nets when not in use - especially at night. Store nets furled and out of reach.
• Do not trap free-roaming cats. Accidentally trapping a kit fox can result in their injury or death.
• Place escape ramps at ponds or pits that could trap foxes if they fill with water.
• Avoid using rodent poisons. Kit foxes are at high risk of rodenticide poisoning.
• Never fill or destroy a potential kit fox burrow. Consult a professional, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or CDFW for assistance.

At Worksites

• Place proper exclusion fencing around areas of excavation.
• Place escape ramps at ponds or pits that could trap foxes if they fill with water.
• Block the ends of pipes and other openings to prevent foxes from using them as dens.
• Never fill or destroy a potential kit fox burrow. Consult with a professional, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, or CDFW for assistance.

Prevent Potential Conflicts

• Keep Me Wild Kit Fox Brochure (PDF)
• San Joaquin Kit Fox - What Can We Do? (PDF)
• Kit Fox: Technical Conservation Assessment (PDF) (USDA)
• Protection Measures Prior to Ground Disturbance (PDF) (USFWS)
• Saving Species Together - Get To Know the SJ Kit Fox (PDF)
• Endangered Species Facts – SJ Kit Fox (PDF) (EPA)
• Species Facts - Desert Kit Fox (NPS)
• Rodenticide Exposure in Urban Kit Foxes (PDF) - 2008 Study

The Sierra Nevada Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) is the only native subspecies of red fox in California. This fox is listed as threatened under the California Endangered Species Act and as endangered under the federal Endangered Species Act. It is only found in the Sierra Nevada, Southern Cascade, or Klamath mountain ranges at elevations of 2500 feet or higher.

Other red foxes (Vulpes vulpes spp.), that may be found at lower elevations, are non-native subspecies that were first introduced into California for fox hunting and fur farming. These subspecies can be found in diverse habitats throughout the state, including in urban, rural, and coastal areas.

• Red Fox Life History (PDF)
• Red Fox Range Map (PDF)
• Report a Sierra Nevada Red Fox Sighting (CDFW)

Red foxes have a diverse diet that can include rodents, birds, squirrels, chickens or eggs, human food or trash. Red foxes may cause conflict due to agricultural or property damage when hunting for food or give rise to concerns for human health if showing signs of disease (like canine distemper).

Prevent Potential Conflicts

• Red Fox Damage Prevention and Control Methods (PDF) (USDA)
• Managing Non-Native Red Foxes in CA (PDF)
• Sierra Nevada Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes necator) (USFWS)
• Sierra Nevada Red Fox (National Park Service)
• Report a Wildlife Incident

Gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) are a native species to California. They may be seen in natural habitat and rural areas statewide. Gray foxes are most active at dawn, dusk and night. They are shy and actively avoid people or pets.

• Gray Fox Life History (PDF)
• Gray Fox Range Map (PDF)

A gray fox diet is diverse and includes rodents, rabbits, squirrels, insects, berries and nuts. They are the only fox species that climbs trees. Gray fox concerns may occur when hunting for food or animal welfare or heath concerns if showing signs of disease such as canine distemper. Feeding foxes can increase the risk of disease to other wildlife or pets.

• Report a Wildlife Incident