We already know that despite foxes’ sly and cunning appearance, they turn out to be just playful and curious beings. Putting that in mind, where do they manifest their boldness and determination?
The answer is simple. They embody their fierceness when they’re foraging for food! To survive in their natural habitat, foxes need a sufficient diet to acquire nutrients. So, what do foxes eat?
It is well known that foxes are opportunistic feeders, which means that they will eat whatever is available to them in their surroundings.
Let’s take a look at what foxes eat!
What do foxes love to eat?
Foxes are omnivores, meaning their diet revolves around eating animal matter and various fruits and vegetables. In the wild, their favorite meals are small mammals. If there’s a chance, they will also feast on fruits and vegetables. However, this doesn’t happen as often as you think.
But, specifically, what food do foxes take delight in?
Vegetables
Foxes eat a variety of vegetables when they want to, from both wild and cultivated crops. This includes sweetcorn, green barley, beans, and peas. There are also reports of them eating more unconventional vegetables such as carrots, cabbage, potatoes, and lettuce.
Fruits
Foxes consume fruit when they stumble upon them, but this happens less frequently than you might think. The most common fruits that foxes eat are raspberries, blackberries, mulberries, bilberries, persimmons, plums, grapes, apples, dates, figs, and even acorns.
Insects
When it comes to insects, foxes aren’t that picky. About anything will do as long as it’s crawling! Grasshoppers, beetles, earwigs, bugs, slugs, and worms are some insects that they like to eat.
Worms
Worms and earthworms, in particular, are an essential part of a fox’s diet. This is because they are rich in proteins and other nutrients that help keep foxes healthy. Specifically, earthworms may make up 60% of their caloric intake for Red foxes.
Frogs
Frogs are one of the many animals that foxes like to eat. They are known to be one of their favorite prey! Their favorite species of frog they want on their plate are poison frogs! Despite the disgusting smell, foxes don’t take a challenge.
Birds
Birds are also on the menu for foxes. Their favorites include ducks, grouse, pheasants, partridges, and quails. They encounter them when birds take a rest from their flight in the middle of the forest. Or, species like the Gray fox stumble upon them (as well as bird eggs) when they climb trees.
Crabs
When foxes find crabs, they will not hesitate to feast on them! They especially love to eat blue crabs. But if you ask, how do foxes encounter crabs? Well, foxes are known as good swimmers. So, they are not afraid to venture into the water to look for this crawlies.
Mollusks
Mollusks, such as clams, oysters, and mussels, are also part of a fox’s diet. They usually find them near the shore or in shallow waters. Mollusks have a high content of vitamin B12, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc. And their extremely slow pace makes them easy prey for hungry foxes.
Fungi
Fungi, such as truffles and mushrooms, are also a source of food for foxes. They find them beneath the ground or on trees. While most of them are edible, there are also dangerous species that can be poisonous to animals. So, foxes need to be careful when consuming fungi.
Reptiles
When it comes to reptiles, foxes can easily catch up with their speed. They will eat about anything they can find, from snakes and lizards to turtles. Snakes are their ultimate favorites, whether hunting them down alive or passing by them as a carcass ( carrion or dead animal’s remains).
In addition, foxes will love to chase fish and amphibians like frogs.
Livestock
Livestock, such as chickens, ducks, geese, and rabbits, are also a favorite food of foxes. They usually find them on farms or near human settlements. Unfortunately, this often leads to conflict between farmers and foxes.
Rodents
Rodents will surely not leave the list as prey. They have a reputation for being the ultimate snack for almost all predators. Foxes will eat rodents like mice, voles, and lemmings. They usually find them in fields, pastures, or forests.
Seeds
Foxes also like to eat seeds, especially in the winter. Some of their favorites include sunflower, flax, and poppy seeds. Seeds contain many nutrients that help foxes stay healthy, especially during the cold season. And because most vegetation and animals are hibernating in these cold months, they’re left with no choice but to eat seeds.
What do foxes eat in rural areas?
In rural areas, foxes eat anything they can find, from fruits and vegetables to rodents and reptiles. However, their diet will largely depend on the availability of food. If the prey is abundant, then they will undoubtedly feast on them. But if food is scarce, they will have to eat fruits and vegetables.
What do foxes eat in urban areas?
In urban areas, foxes will primarily eat rodents and birds. This is because these animals are more abundant in these areas than in rural areas. Additionally, many garbage cans in urban areas contain food scraps that foxes can easily access.
What are the dietary habits of foxes in winter and in spring?
In winter, foxes will eat more seeds and fruits because most of their usual prey are hibernating. The most vulnerable beings during this season will be rodents such as squirrels, mice, and rabbits since they do not hibernate and are also looking for food.
Additionally, the plants they usually eat are unavailable this season. In spring, on the other hand, foxes will return to their usual diet of rodents and reptiles as these animals become more active again.
What Are Foxes’ Methods of Hunting and Foraging?
Foxes are known to be cunning and clever hunters. They will use their unique abilities to help them search for food. For instance, they will use their sense of smell to track down their prey. They are also good jumpers and climbers, allowing them to reach areas where their prey is hiding.
When it comes to foraging, foxes usually look for food in areas with a high concentration of prey. They will also remember where they have previously found food, so they can return to these areas when they’re looking for a meal.
Professional Fox Removal
We can’t deny it- all wild animals become a nuisance and a threat to humans at some point. If you have a fox problem in your area, it’s best to call a professional for help.
At AAAC Wildlife Removal, we specialize in removing foxes from your property safely and efficiently. We also offer other services, such as exclusion and damage repair, to prevent foxes from returning to your home.
Final Word
So, there you have it! We’ve learned that foxes eat various fruits, vegetables, and small animals. This includes berries, seeds, rodents, reptiles, livestock, and even carcasses.
We also found out that foxes are clever and cunning hunters. They use their sense of smell, hearing, and jumping/climbing abilities to help them search for food. And when it comes to foraging, they usually look for areas with a high concentration of prey.
If you’re intrigued by the fascinating diet of foxes and want to delve deeper into their remarkable abilities, click here: fox diet. This article provides valuable insights into the dietary preferences and foraging capabilities of these captivating creatures.
Remember, foxes are constantly on the prowl for a satisfying meal, making them an intriguing species to study and appreciate in the natural world.
Fox FAQs
What do baby foxes eat?
Baby foxes, or fox cubs, eat the same things as the adult fox diet, except in smaller portions. Their mother will feed them regurgitated meat for the first two weeks.
What do pet foxes eat?
Pet foxes are treated the same as dogs. The only difference is that these pets depend more on fresh, cooked, or raw meat. It’s also in their nature to delight in sweet and savory foods like dairy, milk, cheese, and nuts.
Things don’t change when it comes to urban or domestic foxes. Urban foxes eat food they find in trash cans and feast on small animals. They will also eat pet food and whatever else they find. All in all, foxes are not that different from other carnivores in their diet.
Can foxes eat chicken bones?
Yes, a wild fox can eat chicken bones. They can eat any bone as long as it’s small enough to chew and digest properly.
Do Foxes Eat Cats?
Foxes and cats are generally about the same size. So, foxes tend to be uninterested in them. That being said, there have been a few reports of foxes killing cats. However, this is usually done out of necessity, such as when the fox is starving.
