Foxes in the Garden

Naid23

Hi all,

My sister is having a problem at the moment with Foxes in her garden and just looking for some advice as how to get rid as she has just had a baby and is worried bout it being in the garden.

The fox appears to have set up some kind of nest in the bushes at the back of the garden and I am assuming that they can get very vicious if theres pups near.
We have already called the DSPCA and Dub city council for advice and they just say - its not our problem!.

Does anyone know who we should contact about this? Normally we would just leave it be but with the new baby in the house she is panicing that it could get into the house as it is already so close to the house.

Thanks

seamus

The fox won't come near the child and will not enter the house.

Don't leave out food for the fox, or otherwise encourage it. You can instill fear in the fox by shouting at it whenever you see it in the garden, this will doubly ensure that it won't come near the house.

There have been some cases of foxes entering homes, but this is through ground floor windows left open overnight and almost exclusively in urban areas where there are few if any gardens.

If she's really worried then she can arrange to capture the fox herself and work with the DSPCA to release it elsewhere, but this may not work and the fox may just return to the garden.

She could also get a dog; the foxes won't hang around long if there's a dog in the garden.

kildare.17hmr

seamus wrote: »

The fox won't come near the child and will not enter the house.

ALtho it is unlikely i wouldnt say its a definate especially if the fox has been fed by humans or had contact before. if there is food in the house it will smell it even with doors and windows closed. i wouldnt take the chance myself.

Don't leave out food for the fox, or otherwise encourage it. You can instill fear in the fox by shouting at it whenever you see it in the garden, this will doubly ensure that it won't come near the house.

good advise, if you scare them enough they will not come back. water pistol, shout and chace it ect

If she's really worried then she can arrange to capture the fox herself and work with the DSPCA to release it elsewhere, but this may not work and the fox may just return to the garden.

this wont be possible iirc its illegal to relese them after they have been caught. happy to be proven wrong on that tho

Naid23

Thanks for the replies.
Not going to be encouraging it in anyway, never been fed by any of us or the neighbours (or so they claim).
Dog is not an option as my sister is allergic so will just try sheeww it off when we see it, its prob one of the biggest i've seen around thats why we worried.

seamus

kildare.17hmr wrote: »

ALtho it is unlikely i wouldnt say its a definate especially if the fox has been fed by humans or had contact before.

It is exceptionally unlikely though. The odds are many thousands of times greater that a neighbour's cat will come in through an open window and smother the child. Which in itself is a ridiculously unlikely event.

I understand the OP's sister's heightened fear and sensitivity with a newborn, but she's worrying about something which is being-struck-by-lightning unlikely.

In the garden, typical vigilance applies. There's a suggestion that hungry fox may steal a newborn infant, but that has never, ever happened and you wouldn't be leaving a baby alone in a garden anyway.

You just need to watch out for the fox's poo when the child is crawling. Once the child is running around on their own and making noise, there is no risk whatsoever that the fox would come near them.

this wont be possible iirc its illegal to relese them after they have been caught. happy to be proven wrong on that tho

I do know some rescues will trap an injured fox and re-release it when it's been fixed, but afaik they release it back where they found it. I'm not sure of the legalities myself.

Mo60

seamus wrote: »

She could also get a dog; the foxes won't hang around long if there's a dog in the garden.

This does not always work. When I lived in London I had 2 dogs but still had foxes in the garden. The dogs used to chase the fox but as soon as the dogs were indoors the foxes reappeared.

Delancey

I think this would be better posted in the Nature and Birdwatching forum

vicwatson

seamus wrote: »

It is exceptionally unlikely though. The odds are many thousands of times greater that a neighbour's cat will come in through an open window and smother the child. Which in itself is a ridiculously unlikely event.

I understand the OP's sister's heightened fear and sensitivity with a newborn, but she's worrying about something which is being-struck-by-lightning unlikely.

In the garden, typical vigilance applies. There's a suggestion that hungry fox may steal a newborn infant, but that has never, ever happened and you wouldn't be leaving a baby alone in a garden anyway.

You just need to watch out for the fox's poo when the child is crawling. Once the child is running around on their own and making noise, there is no risk whatsoever that the fox would come near them.
I do know some rescues will trap an injured fox and re-release it when it's been fixed, but afaik they release it back where they found it. I'm not sure of the legalities myself.

The fox won't come near the child and will not enter the house.

I'm not so sure.

OP I'd be vigilant if I were you and certainly DO NOT encourage them by feeding them.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10251349

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2078419.stm

Naid23

seamus wrote: »

In the garden, typical vigilance applies. There's a suggestion that hungry fox may steal a newborn infant, but that has never, ever happened and you wouldn't be leaving a baby alone in a garden anyway.

Ah I know it wouldnt eat the baby, but have just heard of attacks and would rather be safe then sorry.

I've called the DSPCA for advice and they said they would only help us if the aminal was injured, so no help there.

seamus

vicwatson wrote: »

I'm not so sure.
OP I'd be vigilant if I were you and certainly DO NOT encourage them by feeding them.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/10251349
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/2078419.stm

Two reported attacks in 8 years. Like I say, unlikely. At least 30 people per year report being hit by lightning in the UK.
It's just not something that's worth concerning yourself about.

star-pants

I've removed some posts - post seriously and within the charter or not at all.
Also don't reply to problem posts, just report them.

noddyone2

Almost zero chance of anything happening. When I was a child, I had a young fox as a pet, it's mother got hit by a car. They're naturally fairly wary of human contact <snip>, but they can be nosey too. Nice animals.

Graces7

noddyone2 wrote: »

Almost zero chance of anything happening. When I was a child, I had a young fox as a pet, it's mother got hit by a car. They're naturally fairly wary of human contact <snip>, but they can be nosey too. Nice animals.

To a mother,almost zero is not good enough. Not by a long way.

Is the garden securely fenced? You can keep a close eye on the boundaries then..for burrowing etc.... Or securely fence an area within the garden easily accessed from the house, with a gate to the rest.

Naid23

Its a sealed walled garden, but there is thick bushes down the bottom of the garden where it is hiding. Dont know whether there is a way there that it is getting in.

The bushes are going to be cut out. Like you said its not worth the risk espec with any kind of wild animal.

Ayla

Naid23 wrote: »

The bushes are going to be cut out. Like you said its not worth the risk espec with any kind of wild animal.

:eek: Why???

A fox can climb/jump over any wall, so cutting out some bushes isn't going to solve the problem.

Foxes are naturally timid & aloof animals - they only get gutsy if they're desperate. Depending on where the house is (i.e.: rural or urban) if the fox has somewhere else to go they likely will. Leave them alone and they will leave you alone. Or worst case, just leave the windows/doors closed where they could get in, but leave the bushes alone!

star-pants

Guys I'll ask that people not go down the road of hunters or shooting or digs at that type of thing please. It goes against the forum charter. thank you

Graces7

Ayla wrote: »

:eek: Why???

A fox can climb/jump over any wall, so cutting out some bushes isn't going to solve the problem.

Foxes are naturally timid & aloof animals - they only get gutsy if they're desperate. Depending on where the house is (i.e.: rural or urban) if the fox has somewhere else to go they likely will. Leave them alone and they will leave you alone. Or worst case, just leave the windows/doors closed where they could get in, but leave the bushes alone!

Removing the bushes is common sense as it increases visibility and that alone will discourage the fox.

Far better that being in with all windows closed.

For peace of mind this will help. And this is what this is about; total safety and peace of mind. I would do the same OP.

Do you have security lights also?

vicwatson

seamus wrote: »

Two reported attacks in 8 years. Like I say, unlikely. At least 30 people per year report being hit by lightning in the UK.
It's just not something that's worth concerning yourself about.

Two that I found by googling in 5 seconds.

As a parent I wouldn't take any chances at all. Everyone is different.

Delancey

Honestly , the hysteria that some parents experience over nothing - this is the same mindset that sees pets PTS or kicked out when a baby arrives because hysterical parents worry that ' something ' might happen.

There is a greater chance of winning the Euromillions than a child being attacked by a fox. If parents are concerned all they need do is keep doors and windows shut ( which they probably do anyway for fear that a fly might land near their child ).

All this angst over nothing.........

vicwatson

Delancey wrote: »

Honestly , the hysteria that some parents experience over nothing - this is the same mindset that sees pets PTS or kicked out when a baby arrives because hysterical parents worry that ' something ' might happen.

There is a greater chance of winning the Euromillions than a child being attacked by a fox. If parents are concerned all they need do is keep doors and windows shut ( which they probably do anyway for fear that a fly might land near their child ).

All this angst over nothing.........

The OP has legitimate concerns, this doesn't address any of them

seamus

vicwatson wrote: »

As a parent I wouldn't take any chances at all.

In that case, I have a rock to sell you. It keeps tigers away.

Yes, I'm being glib. As a soon-to-be-parent, I don't plan on spending my days worrying about things like an ebola outbreak, kidnappings by muslim terrorists or attacks from foxes. I will retain what will be left of my sanity to worry about real dangers.

Graces7

seamus wrote: »

In that case, I have a rock to sell you. It keeps tigers away.

Yes, I'm being glib. As a soon-to-be-parent, I don't plan on spending my days worrying about things like an ebola outbreak, kidnappings by muslim terrorists or attacks from foxes. I will retain what will be left of my sanity to worry about real dangers.

This comes across as so patronising and facetious, as do other posts. Fact; there is a fox living in the garden. Is there one living in your garden?

If this were so here, with our cats etc,I would be worried.

It is not hysteria; it is safety and peace of mind.

A few rentals ago, we had badgers living very close to the house. Nothing to be done and although everyone assured us that attacks on pets were rare, we lost a beloved cat to them.

Old sayings are wise. the dog always bites, the horse always kicks, the gun is always loaded.

Was there not a thread a while back re an attack on twin toddlers in a town setting? Foxes were not ruled out if i remember rightly.

OP; go with safety. And peace of mind.

noddyone2

seamus wrote: »

In that case, I have a rock to sell you. It keeps tigers away.

Yes, I'm being glib. As a soon-to-be-parent, I don't plan on spending my days worrying about things like an ebola outbreak, kidnappings by muslim terrorists or attacks from foxes. I will retain what will be left of my sanity to worry about real dangers.

That's a good outlook. We have 2 dogs, 1 cat, there are hedgehogs in the garden, fox and cub visit regularly, birds nesting in the hedge. No hope at all.

jamesd

Mo60 wrote: »

This does not always work. When I lived in London I had 2 dogs but still had foxes in the garden. The dogs used to chase the fox but as soon as the dogs were indoors the foxes reappeared.

We have a fox coming into our garden at night to steal our Akita's bone s - Akita does be locked into his pen just watching him.

Mo60

Graces7 wrote: »

If this were so here, with our cats etc,I would be worried.

I had cats also when we had foxes visiting our garden. One day one of my cats was sitting on the patio wall when a fox strolled up to her. The cat then gave the fox a wallop on the jaw and the fox run away. Up to that point I had heard that foxes were dangerous to cats but this proved that to be wrong, although it might possibly be different if the cat was ill or weak.

dodderangler

Was told years ago that wolf ****e and urine spread around the garden can keep foxes away from gardens
Dunno if this is just old wives tale but I'd say it could work of course you'd have to go zoo for it

IrishHomer

Just want to set the record straight here.

Wild animals in Ireland will not intentionally go near humans or domesticated animals unless they are defending themselves.

Leave Badgers and Foxes alone! Badgers are protected in Ireland.

gozunda

IrishHomer wrote: »

Just want to set the record straight here.

Wild animals in Ireland will not intentionally go near humans or domesticated animals unless they are defending themselves.

Leave Badgers and Foxes alone! Badgers are protected in Ireland.

I have seen a fox attack and dismember a cat
This was a domestic cat in a domestic setting.

btw Foxes are NOT a protected species in Ireland

Graces7

IrishHomer wrote: »

Just want to set the record straight here.

Wild animals in Ireland will not intentionally go near humans or domesticated animals unless they are defending themselves.

Leave Badgers and Foxes alone! Badgers are protected in Ireland.

Not true.

At two houses where there were badgers nearby our cats were attacked. Period. One killed.

Happy to leave them alone if they return the privilege.

Also I had a cottage that had been empty years and been taken over by a female pine marten who still came back for years. She did not attack our cats so that was fine, but the badgers had a sett near that house and did attack.

Our present cats had stand offs with the badgers at a different house and survived.

There is a badger trail right at the bottom of this garden too but these cats are street wise

Never tangle with wild life, especially when they have established territory as is the case re the OP here. And wild critters can get ill and act in desperation also. Love them, watch them and enjoy them but take no chances.

Part of respecting them is that.

Amalgam

Hmm, I wouldn't be worried about direct fox contact, but their 'scat' (feces) is fairly foul, quite oily and odorous. Foxes also love to collect all manner of tat, which they'll leave littered around their den, including food remains, bones etc..

So, quite possibly, there would be a hygiene issue for a child playing in the garden. Hand to mouth etc..

We do put out table scraps.. and one fox, one fox only, sits 'in a bush' beside our front door, you just see a nose.. and the tail hanging out at the other end.

loveisdivine

News just in - Humans have to share planet with other animals :eek: Better start wrapping our houses in cotton wool.

Seriously OP you're worrying about something that is very unlikely to happen. I would say theres a slim to none chance of a fox climbing through a window into the house while baby and parent are there.

Graces7

loveisdivine wrote: »

News just in - Humans have to share planet with other animals :eek: Better start wrapping our houses in cotton wool.

Seriously OP you're worrying about something that is very unlikely to happen. I would say theres a slim to none chance of a fox climbing through a window into the house while baby and parent are there.

Mockery does not impress.

Phrases/words like "slim to none chance" and "very unlikely" seem to keep cropping up here....

People here seem to negate the stong protective instincts childbirth arouses. In us, in all critters... The utter need to defend and protect. Basic and vital in all life forms. To be honoured deeply.

loveisdivine

Theres protective instinct and then theres hysteria. I feel this instance falls in to the latter.

If someone is that concerned about foxes at the bottom of the garden then you might aswell set up a perimeter around the house to stop all potential dogs/cats/birds/aniamls etc getting into the house if windows are open.

I mean seriously, what if a cat starts hanging around? Or birds nest in the tress and could potentially fly into the house and land on the baby and scratch it! Or maybe squirrels!

You cant be worried about every possible "danger" when in this case there is no evidence of danger. Have the foxes ever come into the house before?

Graces7

loveisdivine wrote: »

Theres protective instinct and then theres hysteria. I feel this instance falls in to the latter.

If someone is that concerned about foxes at the bottom of the garden then you might aswell set up a perimeter around the house to stop all potential dogs/cats/birds/aniamls etc getting into the house if windows are open.

I mean seriously, what if a cat starts hanging around? Or birds nest in the tress and could potentially fly into the house and land on the baby and scratch it! Or maybe squirrels!

You cant be worried about every possible "danger" when in this case there is no evidence of danger. Have the foxes ever come into the house before?

Exaggerating and attributing less serious issues to the OP is even less impressive than mockery.

A fox who is using the garden in this way is unusual and worrying. It comes across as intolerant to thus denigrate and belittle the OPs concern.

I am sure the OP has a lot of sense; and a lot of caring and will do the thing that settles and assures her. She has that right and that need. And that is her caring which we should respect and support. As many here do thankfully.

Your choice to belittle and be negative, and not one I support. Period.

OP; go with your heart and your need on this. The interesting thing is that as time passes and the mother becomes more settled, the extreme needs will moderate. This can only happen in a safe and accepting atmosphere and surroundings. If opposed of course the feelings will simply increase and spread to less valid things.

Blessings and peace

loveisdivine

Graces7 wrote: »

loveisdivine wrote: »

Theres protective instinct and then theres hysteria. I feel this instance falls in to the latter.

If someone is that concerned about foxes at the bottom of the garden then you might aswell set up a perimeter around the house to stop all potential dogs/cats/birds/aniamls etc getting into the house if windows are open.

I mean seriously, what if a cat starts hanging around? Or birds nest in the tress and could potentially fly into the house and land on the baby and scratch it! Or maybe squirrels!

You cant be worried about every possible "danger" when in this case there is no evidence of danger. Have the foxes ever come into the house before?

Exaggerating and attributing less serious issues to the OP is even less impressive than mockery.

A fox who is using the garden in this way is unusual and worrying. It comes across as intolerant to thus denigrate and belittle the OPs concern.

I am sure the OP has a lot of sense; and a lot of caring and will do the thing that settles and assures her. She has that right and that need. And that is her caring which we should respect and support. As many here do thankfully.

Your choice to belittle and be negative, and not one I support. Period.

OP; go with your heart and your need on this. The interesting thing is that as time passes and the mother becomes more settled, the extreme needs will moderate. This can only happen in a safe and accepting atmosphere and surroundings. If opposed of course the feelings will simply increase and spread to less valid things.

Blessings and peace

It's not at all unusual for a fox to live in the garden. It's actually quite common.

Our opinions on this clearly differ.

As it stands the fox has given no reason for the mother to be concerned. So it poses the same threat that any other wild or domesticated animal like a cat does, which is why I compared it to that.

Mo60

loveisdivine wrote: »

It's not at all unusual for a fox to live in the garden. It's actually quite common.

Our opinions on this clearly differ.

As it stands the fox has given no reason for the mother to be concerned. So it poses the same threat that any other wild or domesticated animal like a cat does, which is why I compared it to that.

I had foxes in my garden for the nine years I lived there and never had an issue with them, even though I had animals of my own.

Graces7

Mo60 wrote: »

I had foxes in my garden for the nine years I lived there and never had an issue with them, even though I had animals of my own.

So?

Graces7

loveisdivine wrote: »

It's not at all unusual for a fox to live in the garden. It's actually quite common.

Our opinions on this clearly differ.

As it stands the fox has given no reason for the mother to be concerned. So it poses the same threat that any other wild or domesticated animal like a cat does, which is why I compared it to that.

Please read what I wrote. Thank you

Interesting that I am very old now and have lived in many rural, town and some very isolated places and have never. ever had a fox in residence.

But it is not how anyone here views it but how the OP sees it that matters. Not thus a matter of your opinion or mine in this.

Mo60

Graces7 wrote: »

So?

Am I not allowed to post my experience on living with foxes or does it not suite your agenda?

IrishHomer

Its amazing that after al the years since we wiped out the wolf from the island the same ignorant mentality still prevails, its very very sad

Graces7

Mo60 wrote: »

Am I not allowed to post my experience on living with foxes or does it not suite your agenda?

I don't have an "agenda" whatever that may be.

I simply queried the relevance of what you wrote to the OP's concerns.

So many posts here are on the "pull yourself together " theme and that is rarely if any use or validity where justified fear is concerned. Justified in the sight of the OP. Which is what matters here.

Given my own experiences with wild critters occupying what became my territory I fully understand the OP.

Sharing with wild life can be a thing of beauty, but it can also be dangerous. As I learned in a very hard way.

Sure we share the planet with all creatures but that does not have to mean sharing a garden or house with them. Which is the concern here.

Having a time here with an increasingly invasive feral cat so can sympathise;)

These are things each makes a decision on personally. I lost a very dear cat through making the wrong decisions and would act very differently now.

Casey-cat, forgive me!

Best be safe and watch and enjoy the wild life out of the garden rather than in it. Live alongside in pleasure.

IrishHomer

Graces7 wrote: »

Mo60 wrote: »

Am I not allowed to post my experience on living with foxes or does it not suite your agenda?

I don't have an "agenda" whatever that may be.

I simply queried the relevance of what you wrote to the OP's concerns.

So many posts here are on the "pull yourself together " theme and that is rarely if any use or validity where justified fear is concerned. Justified in the sight of the OP. Which is what matters here.

Given my own experiences with wild critters occupying what became my territory I fully understand the OP.

Sharing with wild life can be a thing of beauty, but it can also be dangerous. As I learned in a very hard way.

Sure we share the planet with all creatures but that does not have to mean sharing a garden or house with them. Which is the concern here.

Having a time here with an increasingly invasive feral cat so can sympathise;)

These are things each makes a decision on personally. I lost a very dear cat through making the wrong decisions and would act very differently now.

Casey-cat, forgive me!

Best be safe and watch and enjoy the wild life out of the garden rather than in it. Live alongside in pleasure.

You lost a very dear cat?

So how many wild birds were lost to your very dear cat? And now foxes too?

IrishHomer

gozunda wrote: »

IrishHomer wrote: »

Just want to set the record straight here.

Wild animals in Ireland will not intentionally go near humans or domesticated animals unless they are defending themselves.

Leave Badgers and Foxes alone! Badgers are protected in Ireland.

I have seen a fox attack and dismember a cat
This was a domestic cat in a domestic setting.

btw Foxes are NOT a protected species in Ireland

Utter nonsense!

You also state badgers killed your cat for Gods sake

Just for all you people who haven't a clue on wildlife: Badgers and Foxes don't go around killing domesticated pets or humans!

kildare.17hmr

IrishHomer wrote: »

Utter nonsense!

You also state badgers killed your cat for Gods sake

Just for all you people who haven't a clue on wildlife: Badgers and Foxes don't go around killing domesticated pets or humans!

Homer you have no clue what your talking about. We used to have a problem with foxes in our estate, some fool of a neighbour kept leaving food out for them and they came over every night, i know this because i used to see them heading that way when i was out lamoing in nearby fields and often saw them in the estate rifflng through bins and coming from a particular back garden. well one morning i was out cutting the grass and another neighbour came around to me and said his little dog was attacked by a fox in their back garden the night before and the dog had to be PTS because of the injuries. his wife saw it happening and banged on the window and the fox ran off. he said the fox used to come over his back wall and rip out his bin regularly. he came round to me because he knew i hunted and asked me to help get rid of the fox. he got a lend of a trap off his brother in law and a week later we caught the fox in his garden again.

I have heard from other people i know who have had cats killed and a local woman who keeps chickens and sells their eggs had 20 hens killed one night last year.

A fox does not care if its a lamb, small cat, small dog, rabbit, pigeon, phesent or chicken. all are food if the fox is hungry and to say

Badgers and Foxes don't go around killing domesticated pets

is just silly and proves you dont know what your talking about. there was a thread here not too long ago too about a woman walking her dog which was attacked by a badger and had to be PTS. Not a daily accurance sure but it definatly does happen

loveisdivine

kildare.17hmr wrote: »

Homer you have no clue what your talking about. We used to have a problem with foxes in our estate, some fool of a neighbour kept leaving food out for them and they came over every night, i know this because i used to see them heading that way when i was out lamoing in nearby fields and often saw them in the estate rifflng through bins and coming from a particular back garden. well one morning i was out cutting the grass and another neighbour came around to me and said his little dog was attacked by a fox in their back garden the night before and the dog had to be PTS because of the injuries. his wife saw it happening and banged on the window and the fox ran off. he said the fox used to come over his back wall and rip out his bin regularly. he came round to me because he knew i hunted and asked me to help get rid of the fox. he got a lend of a trap off his brother in law and a week later we caught the fox in his garden again.

I have heard from other people i know who have had cats killed and a local woman who keeps chickens and sells their eggs had 20 hens killed one night last year.

A fox does not care if its a lamb, small cat, small dog, rabbit, pigeon, phesent or chicken. all are food if the fox is hungry and to say is just silly and proves you dont know what your talking about. there was a thread here not too long ago too about a woman walking her dog which was attacked by a badger and had to be PTS. Not a daily accurance sure but it definatly does happen

In fairness if you are going to keep any aniaml outside, you need to make sure its in a secure enclosure. Cat owners realise that when they let their cats out, they could fall prey to another animal. Dogs kept outside in a kennel at night, could also become prey to a wild animal. I knew when I kept my guinea pigs outside that a fox could come over the wall, knock the cage over and eat them. Which is why I eventually moved them inside.

My point is, any pet that is left outside, unsecured, is a potential target. I'm not saying you shouldnt leave pets outside, I'm just saying you have to accept the risks that go along with it. You cant just kill everything just because it did something you dont like. There are risks and consequences to everything in life.

A fox living at the bottom of the garden is just one of those things. Accept it.

kildare.17hmr

loveisdivine wrote: »

In fairness if you are going to keep any aniaml outside, you need to make sure its in a secure enclosure. Cat owners realise that when they let their cats out, they could fall prey to another animal. Dogs kept outside in a kennel at night, could also become prey to a wild animal. I knew when I kept my guinea pigs outside that a fox could come over the wall, knock the cage over and eat them. Which is why I eventually moved them inside.

My point is, any pet that is left outside, unsecured, is a potential target. I'm not saying you shouldnt leave pets outside, I'm just saying you have to accept the risks that go along with it. You cant just kill everything just because it did something you dont like. There are risks and consequences to everything in life.

I agree but this dog i was speaking about was a pet that slept on the bed with him and his wife and it was let out for a few minutes to do its business before they went to bed

loveisdivine

^ Ah well thats unfortunate. It could happen to anyone.

I just dont like when people want to control the nature and wild animals around them. Learn to live in peace with your surroundings, dont fear everything and try to shut it all out. Its just trying to survive like anyone else.

BunShopVoyeur

I love this forum, it's always a great source of amusement

"No animal, ever, can do any wrong. Ever."

Love it.

Graces7

loveisdivine wrote: »

In fairness if you are going to keep any aniaml outside, you need to make sure its in a secure enclosure. Cat owners realise that when they let their cats out, they could fall prey to another animal. Dogs kept outside in a kennel at night, could also become prey to a wild animal. I knew when I kept my guinea pigs outside that a fox could come over the wall, knock the cage over and eat them. Which is why I eventually moved them inside.

My point is, any pet that is left outside, unsecured, is a potential target. I'm not saying you shouldnt leave pets outside, I'm just saying you have to accept the risks that go along with it. You cant just kill everything just because it did something you dont like. There are risks and consequences to everything in life.

A fox living at the bottom of the garden is just one of those things. Accept it.

No one is talking re killing anything... REALLY!

And no a fox living in the garden is not acceptable or one of those things. We are territorial too and have a right to choose what and who we share our space with.

Really!

Graces7

loveisdivine wrote: »

^ Ah well thats unfortunate. It could happen to anyone.

I just dont like when people want to control the nature and wild animals around them. Learn to live in peace with your surroundings, dont fear everything and try to shut it all out. Its just trying to survive like anyone else.

No one is excluding; simply we are saying that we prefer wild life outside our space. Which is perfectly reasonable behaviour.

There is a man up in Leitrim lives wild with wolves; the natural outcome of your philosophy. I mean LIVES with wolves. In and out of his house all the time, in his bed... His choice so fine.

Thank you( not)( for your... response re my cat. Had I taken steps to dissuade the badgers who were invading the garden? It is simply to limit.

As for control; yes indeed we must, Make safe places for wild life and safe places for us. Safe places for cattle and sheep and dogs and cats, and children.

If I choose to make my large garden a wild life sanctuary , fine. If not then fine also. Surrounded here by fields and love seeing the hares and the badger trails out there; but please, not in my garden. I need that space, and the food I grow, as I need my kitchen and bathroom and bedroom.

Graces7

BunShopVoyeur wrote: »

I love this forum, it's always a great source of amusement

"No animal, ever, can do any wrong. Ever."

Love it.

Gas at times isn't it? So much also is theory. Living it can be a very different matter.

Ideals tempered by reality as mine have been, and the wiser and stronger and more caring for it.

My years alone on a remote mountain taught me that. Respect and care but always safety and always limits.