Why aren’t foxes returned to the forest? | |||
Removing an animal from its familiar environment to resettle it in strange surroundings invariably proves unproductive. Knowledge for its survival such as where to forage or what dangers to beware of has to be newly acquired, which often involves fighting or stress. | |||
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Thanks to their extraordinary adaptability foxes not only inhabit the forest but also a great variety of different habitats. Human settlements are most attractive for foxes as is shown by the fact that the density of the fox population is now higher there than in rural regions (for more).
Problematic resettlement of wild animals People who come into conflict with foxes often suggest resettling them in woodland, but this is no easy solution. Resettling animals is always problematic as it means much danger and stress for the animal concerned, because its survival depends on how well the animal knows its surroundings. It has to know where to forage, where it can sleep and what dangers are lurking. When transported to a strange environment it takes a long time for the animal to acquire the necessary knowledge. A fox raised in an urban environment has little notion of a forest environment but requires quite some time to get used to these entirely new conditions. Vacancies are rapidly filled Furthermore, foxes are already living in the woodland where the territories are mostly occupied. An animal resettled there would have to look for a vacant territory. Fights with territory owners would mean additional stress both for the exiled fox as well as for the resident foxes. Nor would the removal of a fox from a human settlement solve any problems as this vacancy would soon be filled by yet another fox (for more) . Related questions Why aren’t all foxes shot in urban areas? Are there too many foxes in urban areas? How can I chase away a cheeky fox? home | © |