Depending on where you live in the City of Greensboro, you might see more wildlife than others. Around the Lake Jeanette area, many homeowners said they'll see plenty of animals at the edge of the woods. However, more recently some have spotted foxes in the middle of the neighborhood, during the day!
Animal experts at the Greensboro Science Center said this is not a reason to panic. It's mating season for both coyotes and foxes, which means there's more animals out and about.
"It’s not really surprising to see coyotes and foxes especially at certain times of the year. Remember, we all share the same habitat, and the habitat we think of as suburban, like neighborhoods with a lot of trees or grassy edges, is the perfect hunting ground for these guys," said Martha Regester, the VP of Education at the Science Center.
"Just because you see a fox or a coyote during the day, doesn’t mean there’s a problem."
Regester said there might be a problem if the animal looks sick.
"When you need to be a little concerned is when they do look sick, so if they’re not walking straight, if there's any drool, or if they’re coming at you. Wild animals should not [do that], especially if you make some noise."
What You Should Know About Foxes Out During The Day from the Humane Society:
- Foxes may prey on small pets or livestock (such as rabbits, guinea pigs or chickens), so pets should be kept indoors or housed in sturdy structures.
- Foxes will also eat various fruits, but they usually do not bother garden vegetables.
- Sometimes foxes are blamed for damage they did not cause, such as when they are spotted eating from spilled trash when neighborhood dogs or other animals were responsible for the overturned trashcan.
- A fox cutting through your yard is probably just passing through on their way between hunting areas and no action is necessary on your part.
Find out more about how to protect your family including your animals.