OCEAN CITY FOX FACTS
Ocean City is a haven for many of nature’s creatures and the Red Fox is one of Ocean City’s more interesting and attention-getting inhabitants. Ocean City foxes have become accustomed to the activities of the city and the people within it.
Are the foxes dangerous? According to Natural Resources officials, “Foxes, especially red foxes, commonly live in close association with human residences and communities. They frequently inhabit yards, parks, and golf courses, especially areas that adjoin suitable, undeveloped habitat. Healthy foxes pose virtually
no danger to humans. Foxes can grow accustomed to human activity but are seldom aggressive toward people.”
The ADF&G’s Wildlife Notebook Series notes, “In areas where foxes have little contact with humans, they display cautious curiosity. Even
less fear is shown where contacts with humans are very common.” In other words, the bold behavior of our foxes is not unusual based upon their familiarity within the town and its activities.
Are the authorities aware of the foxes? The Town of Ocean City’s animal control officers and other officials are aware of the town foxes, and continue to make visual spot health checks on them. Although the simple presence of these foxes is not a cause for alarm, it should be remembered that the foxes are wild animals, and should not be approached or fed.
Don’t feed the foxes! Red foxes are omnivores, eating both plant and animal material, but prefer animal matter. This includes small rodents, frogs, insects, birds and snakes. They also enjoy crabs, eggs and fish. Plant material includes acorns, grasses, corn, fruits and berries. In
Northside Park, the foxes also scavenge for food scraps left under spectator bleachers and near the concession stands. We ask that you make a concerted effort to pick up all trash and put it in the appropriate receptacles. Wild animals that become dependent on human food are less inclined to survive the winters when that food source is not as prevalent.
In summary, the
Ocean City foxes seem to be normal healthy animals. Their natural curiosity and their comfort level in the town may bring them out to observe our programs, park activities and perhaps even interact to the point of running across a playing field – but – as cute as they might be, they are WILD animals and should be treated as such. Please do not approach them, coax them or feed them for any reason. They are fun to watch, and we can live harmoniously with them if we simply leave them alone and observe them from a distance.
If you have any additional questions or concerns about the Ocean City foxes,
Please contact Ocean City Animal Control at (410) 723-6649.
