Due to their successful adaptation to urban life foxes come into contact with humans very frequently. Unfortunately this provides them with a lot of potential for injury or illness.

When to help Foxes?

	If the fox has been hit by a car
	The animal will need to be assessed for concussion, shock or other injuries.
	If the fox has been attacked by a dog
	It will need to be assessed for injuries and should be treated for shock and given antibiotics.
	A fox trapped in a fence, netting or wire.
	Don't attempt to free it yourself - you could be bitten and could make the injuries worse. The fox needs to be freed by an expert and will then need treatment for injuries.
	If a fox of any age has an obvious injury.
	Whether adult or baby, any fox with a visible wound or damaged limb will need help
	If the fox has fur loss, or its skin looks crusty particularly on its back or face.
	It may be suffering from sarcoptic mange. Mild cases can be treated on site by adding a treatment to the food, more severe cases may need to be trapped and treated as an inpatient.
	If an adult fox can be approached
	Although foxes are accustomed to human presence they should not be so relaxed that they'll let you walk right up to them. If the fox cannot or does not attempt to run away it is in trouble.
	A healthy looking fox out by day.
	This is not necessarily cause for alarm as foxes are becoming more used to living amongst us. If in doubt approach the fox and call for help if you can get close to him or see an obvious problem.
	An apparently abandoned den or cub.
	Unless cubs are injured or in danger observe for several hours before intervening. If there is no sign of an adult after this time call for advice. Try not to touch the cubs.

What Should I Do Next?

Do not pick up a fox cub until you have been advised to do so by a wildlife rescue unless it is obviously injured or in immediate danger. If you do need to move it, try to avoid leaving your scent on it by using gloves or rubbing your hands in grass first.

Never attempt to capture an adult fox yourself - a scared fox can give you a serious bite. If the fox is immobile and can be approached then call a wildlife rescue who should be able to send someone to catch the fox safely.

If the fox is in need of help but still mobile, they may need to set a humane cage trap. You can help by leaving a small amount of food out for the fox to encourage it to come back to your garden.

If the fox appears to be suffering from mange then it can be treated using a treatment which can be added to food each night for two weeks. Contact the National Fox Welfare Society who will be able to provide you with treatment.