Fox cubs are normally born in March and at 3 – 4 weeks old will wander outside their earth (den) during the day. The mother is not usually far away and keeps an eye on the cubs, but will not approach them if people are around. Fox cubs are always best left where they are. They have a far better chance of survival in the wild and should only be taken into captivity as a last resort.

DO NOT INTERFERE WITH ORPHANED FOX CUBS UNLESS THEY ARE INJURED OR IN GENUINE NEED

If a cub has already been moved, it must be returned to the site late on the following night, and released after a period of orientation in a wire basket. Its parents or other members of the family will then recover the cub.

When a cub has been released, the area should be searched after 24 hours to ensure that it has gone. Only if it is still present, should it be passed to a wildlife centre. This approach will not work for cubs younger than two weeks old, as they cannot regulate their body temperature.

If a vixen has been killed, the cubs can be helped with supplementary feeding at the location where they were born. The adult male and other members of the family also play an active role in feeding cubs. This will maximise the cubs’ chance of survival. Adult foxes play no role in the defence of the cubs. Leaving the cubs where they are therefore poses no additional risk to the cubs.

Note: In spring, the vixen will move cubs from one earth to another. If disturbed, she will come back for the cubs later. Vixens often lie up away from their cubs, only returning at night to feed them.

The approximate time period for fox cub development is:
Born in March – at birth cubs are blind and deaf with short black fur and they rely on the vixen to keep them warm.
At 2 weeks – their eyes and ears open and they are very unsteady on their feet
At 3 weeks – they become more active and move around a lot in their den
At 4 weeks [April] – the cubs appear above ground. They weigh 600 – 700 grams, are still dependent on the vixen’s milk but they begin to take regurgitated food from the vixen
At 5 – 6 weeks [late April/May] – the colour of their fur changes from chocolate brown to red; the ears and snout become longer. They start to search for earthworms, beetles and other insects to eat. The vixen produces less milk for the cubs.
At 6 – 7 weeks – the cubs are fully weaned
In June – the breeding earth is abandoned
In July – the cubs lie up above ground and adults bring them less food
In August – the cubs are able to search for food themselves and adults may lie up away from the cubs
In October – the fox family group begins to break up and the young foxes leave to find their own territory.
Recent studies have shown that the number of fox cubs being taken into wildlife centres is unnecessarily high. As is the case with fledgling birds that are not injured or sick, uninjured young foxes should generally be left alone.
Caution:- Handling of any animal either domestic, wild, dead or alive may be potentially hazardous. Obvious dangers include bites, scratches and general hygiene issues. Common sense should be applied in all instances and if unsure seek additional advice or assistance. Personal hygiene should be taken into consideration after handling any animal whether it is domestic, wild, dead or alive.

Fox Cubs – What to Do If You Find One

Finding a fox cub on its own can be worrying, but a cub that is alone is not necessarily orphaned.

Fox cubs naturally begin exploring outside the den as they grow. Their mother may be nearby, looking for food or waiting for people to leave before returning to her young.

The safest approach is usually to watch from a distance and avoid interfering unless the cub is obviously injured, trapped or seriously unwell.

Why is the cub on its own?

Fox cubs spend their early weeks in or around the den. As they become more confident, they begin exploring further from it.

It is quite normal for a cub to be seen sitting or playing on its own. The mother may be away finding food and may not return while people are nearby.

If you find a healthy-looking cub, move away from the area and keep people and pets away. Give the mother an opportunity to return.

Do not assume a cub is abandoned

A cub being alone does not mean that it has been rejected.

Human activity around a cub can actually make it harder for the mother to return. If people remain nearby, the adult fox may stay hidden until the area is quiet.

For this reason, watching from a distance is often more helpful than approaching the cub.

When does a fox cub need help?

A cub may need professional assistance if it is:

• Obviously injured

• Bleeding

• Trapped or caught somewhere

• Unable to stand or walk normally

• Extremely weak or unresponsive

• Showing severe breathing difficulties

• In immediate danger from traffic or another hazard

• Clearly seriously ill

If you are unsure whether a cub needs help, seek advice from an appropriate wildlife rescue or animal welfare organisation before attempting to handle it.

What should I do if I find a cub?

First, keep your distance.

Keep children and dogs, cats and other pets away from the cub. Do not allow a dog to chase, corner or investigate it.

Observe the cub quietly from a safe distance. If it appears alert, active and uninjured, leave the area and allow the mother the opportunity to return.

If the cub is in immediate danger, trapped or clearly injured, contact an appropriate wildlife rescue or animal welfare organisation for advice.

Should I feed a fox cub?

Do not attempt to hand-feed or give medication to a wild fox cub.

A healthy cub should normally remain with its mother, who will provide the food and care it needs.

If a cub is injured or seriously unwell, obtain professional advice before giving it food or attempting treatment.

Can I pick up a fox cub?

Avoid handling a fox cub unless you have been specifically advised to do so by a suitably qualified person.

Even a small cub can bite or scratch when frightened. Handling can also cause unnecessary stress and may interfere with the animal’s natural reunification with its mother.

If the cub is trapped or injured, explain the situation to the organisation you contact and follow their instructions.

Fox Cubs and Mange

Fox cubs can be affected by sarcoptic mange, a skin disease caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite.

Signs can include:

• Hair loss

• Persistent scratching

• Red or irritated skin

• Thickened or crusted skin

• Hair loss around the face, ears and body

A cub showing these signs should not automatically be caught or treated by members of the public. Seek appropriate wildlife or veterinary advice.

For more information, see our Sarcoptic Mange in Foxes: The Mite and Its Life Cycle page.

Fox Cubs and Other Wildlife

Fox cubs are part of the wider wildlife found in our towns, gardens and countryside. If you have pets, keep dogs, cats and other domestic animals away from fox cubs and other wild animals.

A quiet garden can provide valuable habitat for wildlife, but it is important to allow wild animals to behave naturally without unnecessary interference.

You can find more information in our Dogs, Cats, Pets and Wildlife sections.

If a Cub Has Been Taken Away

If someone has already picked up a fox cub because they believed it was abandoned, do not simply release or move the cub without obtaining appropriate advice.

Contact a suitable wildlife rescue or animal welfare organisation and explain where the cub was found, how long it has been away from the area and what condition it is in.

They can advise on the safest course of action.

Remember

Seeing a fox cub alone can be alarming, but intervention is not always necessary.

Watch from a distance. Keep people and pets away. Give the mother a chance to return. Seek professional advice if the cub is injured, trapped or seriously unwell.

For related information, see:

• Information on Foxes

• Injured Foxes – What to Do

• Sarcoptic Mange in Foxes: The Mite and Its Life Cycle

About Derbyshire Fox Rescue

Derbyshire Fox Rescue has retired from active rescue work. This website is retained as an information resource about foxes, wildlife and related subjects.

For a fox cub that is currently injured, trapped or seriously unwell, please seek advice from an appropriate current wildlife rescue or animal welfare organisation.