Massachusetts Foxes Find Winter Shelter Under Decks and Sheds

Red and gray foxes are right at home in southeastern Massachusetts. The Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife says, "The red fox and the gray fox, two distinct species, are common and abundant in Massachusetts."

MassWildlife says, "Both species can be found throughout the state, except on Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket."

Foxes are omnivores – meaning they eat both plants and animals – and they are opportunistic feeders.

"Their primary foods include small rodents, squirrels, rabbits, birds, eggs, insects, vegetation, fruits, and dead animals," according to MassWildlife.

Foxes in Massachusetts remain active all year and do not hibernate.

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Mass Audubon says, "While their habitats include a mixture of forests, fields, and thickets, foxes have adapted to human civilization over time and will even den in suburban backyards."

"It's common for foxes to use crawl spaces under a shed or deck as dens," says Mass Audubon.

Such locations can provide additional protection from the winter cold.

MassWildlife suggests taking a few steps to fox-proof your property, such as not feeding or petting a fox, securing your garbage in tough plastic containers with tight-fitting lids, keeping it in secure buildings when possible, not leaving trash out overnight for morning pick-up, and keeping compost in secure, ventilated containers.

Be sure to close off crawl spaces, keep bird feeder areas clean, cut back brushy edges, protect livestock, leash the pets and feed pets indoors.

MassWildlife says, "Don't let foxes intimidate you. Don't hesitate to scare or threaten foxes with loud noises, bright lights, or water sprayed from a hose."

Mass Audubon says, "A fox den in the backyard presents little danger to the homeowners: foxes would rather avoid people than confront them." Audubon says, "If you absolutely must eject foxes from an area, it's best to wait until any young are old enough to follow the parents."