Finding an injured or sick fox can be upsetting, particularly if you are unsure whether the animal needs help. Foxes are wild animals and can sometimes appear distressed, tired or unwell without requiring human intervention. However, an obvious injury, severe illness or a fox that is unable to move normally may require assistance.

Before approaching an injured fox

Keep a safe distance and observe the fox quietly.

Do not attempt to catch, handle or corner a fox yourself. An injured animal may be frightened and can bite or scratch when it feels threatened.

Keep children and pets away from the area and, where possible, give the fox somewhere quiet to rest.

If the fox is lying down but is alert and able to move away, it may be best to leave it undisturbed while seeking advice.

When a fox may need help

Signs that a fox may be injured or seriously unwell include:

• An obvious wound or injury

• A broken limb or difficulty walking

• Being trapped or caught somewhere

• Being unable to stand or move normally

• Heavy bleeding

• Severe breathing difficulties

• Extreme weakness or collapse

• Being caught in fencing or another object

• Persistent distress or repeated attempts to escape from a dangerous situation

A fox with severe hair loss, crusting or intense scratching may also have sarcoptic mange. This is a contagious skin disease caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite. See our information on sarcoptic mange in foxes for more information.

What should I do?

If you believe a fox is injured or seriously ill, contact an appropriate wildlife rescue or animal welfare organisation for advice.

The RSPCA has a 24-hour cruelty and advice line and can advise on injured wildlife. Their current contact details should be checked on the RSPCA website.

When asking for help, provide as much useful information as possible, including:

• Your location

• Where the fox is

• What appears to be wrong

• Whether it can walk or move

• Whether it is bleeding

• Whether it is trapped

• Whether it is in immediate danger

• A photograph, if you can take one safely from a distance

Do not feed or give medication without advice

Do not give an injured fox medication or attempt to treat an injury yourself.

Avoid giving food or water to a severely injured, unconscious or collapsed animal unless you have been specifically advised to do so by a suitably qualified professional.

Foxes have specialised dietary and medical needs, and treatment should be based on the animal’s condition.

If the fox is in immediate danger

If the fox is on a busy road, trapped, caught in fencing or otherwise at immediate risk, keep yourself safe first. Do not enter a road or put yourself in danger attempting to rescue the animal.

Contact an appropriate animal welfare organisation and explain exactly what has happened and where the fox is located.

Foxes and sarcoptic mange

Sarcoptic mange is relatively common in foxes and can cause severe itching, hair loss and crusting of the skin. A fox with mange may look very unwell, but mange is a treatable condition and does not automatically mean that the fox should be caught or handled.

For more information, see our article:

Sarcoptic Mange in Foxes: The Mite and Its Life Cycle

A final word

The best help you can usually give an injured fox is to keep your distance, keep people and pets away and obtain appropriate advice.

Wild foxes can become extremely frightened when approached or cornered. Trying to catch an animal without the correct equipment and experience can cause additional stress or injury to both the fox and the person attempting the rescue.

If you are unsure whether a fox needs intervention, it is better to seek professional advice than to attempt to handle the animal yourself.