Foxes appearing throughout Peabody raise concern

PEABODY – Furry faces have been popping up all over the city causing some residents to grow weary of their new four-legged neighbors.The Animal Control Office has received several calls from residents reporting the reoccurring presence of foxes in their backyards, however, according to the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, their appearance in suburban communities is nothing abnormal in most cases.The Fish and Game Department goes on to say that red and gray foxes are not only common, but also abundant throughout the state, with the exception of Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket.Since foxes are omnivorous, they tend to prey on small rodents, rabbits, birds, eggs, squirrels, fruit and insects. However, there have been cases where cats are mistaken for potential food.To help prevent such instances from arising, the city has issued a list of suggestions to make your property and pets less attractive to these wildlife critters:Secure your garbage in tough plastic containers. Foxes will raid open trash materials and compost piles.Don’t feed or try to pet foxes. Feeding them can cause foxes to act tame and may lead to bold behavior. Foxes that rely on natural food items remain wild and wary of humans.Keep your pets safe and restrained at all times.Feed your pets indoors. Outdoor feeding may attract foxes and other wild animals to your yard.Keep bird feeder areas clean. Fallen bird feed may attract small animals which foxes prey upon.Close off crawl spaces under porches and sheds, as foxes may use the area for resting and raising young.Don’t hesitate to scare foxes away with loud noises, bright lights, or water.Cut back brushy edges in your yard to prevent foxes from using them as a hiding spot.If you are experiencing any problems with or have questions regarding foxes, contact the MassWildlife District Office at 978-263-4347, or Peabody’s Animal Control Officer at 978-538-6340.