Mammal
Fox
Vulpes vulpes
What to do NOW
- 1Keep a safe distance — never approach without protection
- 2A fox that does not flee at human presence is almost certainly sick (severe mange, distemper, toxoplasmosis)
- 3Call CRAS or local veterinary health service (ASL)
- 4If containment is necessary: use a transport crate, never your hands
- 5Fox cubs found alone during the day: observe from at least 50 metres for 4–6 hours — the mother returns at night
NEVER do this
- Never touch bare-handed under any circumstances
- Do not approach foxes that appear disorientated or do not flee
- Do not feed wild foxes — it habituates them to humans, with risks for both
- Do not pick up fox cubs alone — the mother will almost certainly return
- Do not keep in the house: it is illegal and dangerous
Important note
Sarcoptic mange (Sarcoptes scabiei) is endemic in Italian fox populations. It presents as hair loss, crusting, and thickened skin. It is transmissible to humans (scabies) and domestic dogs — never touch a mangy fox. Canine distemper is lethal for the fox but does not transmit to humans. Sylvatic rabies has been officially eradicated in Italy since 2013.
Legal protection
The fox is not a protected species (Law 157/1992) and may be hunted. Orphaned cubs can be cared for by CRAS with regional authorisation.
Also known as
- red fox
- fox cub
- common fox
- baby fox
- young fox
Similar animals
Full guide
Injured fox or fox cubs found alone: when to step in (and when to leave them)
In spring, fox cubs come out of the den and look abandoned. They almost never are. A guide to what to do — covering the difference between injured adults and cubs found alone.
Read the guide →Did you find a fox right now?
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