What do foxes eat?
Quick Answer
Foxes are omnivores that eat small mammals, birds, insects, fruits, and vegetables; their diet varies by season and habitat. Their primary prey includes rodents like mice and voles, but they also consume berries, eggs, and even garbage in urban areas.
Key Takeaways
- Foxes are opportunistic omnivores with highly varied diets
- Primary food sources include small mammals, especially rodents
- Seasonal diet changes based on food availability and breeding needs
- Urban foxes adapt to eat human food waste and pet food
- Hunting behavior includes stalking, pouncing, and caching excess food
- Diet varies significantly between different fox species and regions
Primary Food Sources
Foxes are highly adaptable predators with a diverse diet that changes based on availability and season:
Small Mammals (Primary Prey)
Small mammals make up the largest portion of a fox's diet:
- Rodents: Mice, voles, rats, and squirrels
- Rabbits: Young rabbits and cottontails
- Ground-dwelling mammals: Shrews, moles, and chipmunks
- Hunting method: Stalking and pouncing with precision
Birds and Eggs
- Ground-nesting birds: Quail, pheasants, and grouse
- Songbirds: Opportunistic catches of small birds
- Eggs: Bird eggs when nests are accessible
- Poultry: Chickens and ducks (when available)
Seasonal Diet Variations
Fox diets change dramatically throughout the year based on food availability and energy needs:
Spring (Breeding Season)
High-protein diet to support reproduction and kit rearing:
- Increased hunting of small mammals
- Bird eggs and nestlings
- Fresh insects and larvae
- Early spring vegetables and shoots
Summer (Kit Rearing)
Diverse diet to feed growing kits:
- Abundant insects: beetles, crickets, grasshoppers
- Small mammals and birds
- Fresh berries and fruits
- Amphibians like frogs and salamanders
Fall (Preparation for Winter)
Focus on high-energy foods and caching:
- Nuts and seeds
- Late-season berries and apples
- Small mammals for fat storage
- Food caching behavior increases
Winter (Survival Mode)
Diet becomes more limited and opportunistic:
- Cached food stores
- Rodents active under snow
- Carrion and scavenged remains
- Persistent fruits and berries
Plant Foods and Fruits
Foxes consume a surprising variety of plant matter, especially during certain seasons:
Berries and Fruits
- Wild berries: Blackberries, elderberries, and huckleberries
- Tree fruits: Apples, pears, and cherries
- Grapes: Wild and cultivated varieties
- Rose hips: High in vitamin C
Vegetables and Other Plants
- Roots and tubers: Wild onions and bulbs
- Grasses and shoots: Young plant growth
- Agricultural crops: Corn, soybeans, and wheat
- Mushrooms: Various fungi species
Insects and Invertebrates
Insects form a significant part of the fox diet, especially in warmer months:
- Ground insects: Beetles, ants, and cricket
- Flying insects: Moths, flies, and grasshoppers
- Larvae and grubs: Beetle larvae and caterpillars
- Earthworms: Especially after rain
- Spiders and other arachnids
Urban Fox Diet
Foxes living in urban environments adapt their diets to available food sources:
Human-Related Food Sources
- Garbage: Food scraps and organic waste
- Pet food: Dog and cat food left outside
- Birdseed: From bird feeders and spilled seed
- Compost piles: Fruit and vegetable scraps
Urban Wildlife
- City rodents (rats and mice)
- Urban birds (pigeons and sparrows)
- Insects attracted to lights and garbage
- Small pets (unfortunately, cats and small dogs)
Hunting and Feeding Behavior
Foxes employ various hunting strategies depending on their prey:
Hunting Techniques
- Mouse pouncing: High leap and precise landing
- Stalking: Careful approach using cover
- Digging: Excavating rodent burrows
- Scavenging: Finding carrion and food scraps
Food Caching
Foxes often cache excess food for later consumption:
- Bury surplus prey in shallow holes
- Mark cache sites with scent
- Return to cached food during scarce times
- May move caches if disturbed
Fox Species Diet Differences
Different fox species have slightly different dietary preferences:
Red Fox
- Most omnivorous of all fox species
- Highly adaptable diet
- Strong preference for small mammals
Arctic Fox
- Diet dominated by lemmings in tundra
- Fish and seabird eggs in coastal areas
- Seasonal migration following food sources
Gray Fox
- More plant matter in diet than red foxes
- Tree climbing ability allows access to fruits
- Diet varies significantly by region
Frequently Asked Questions
Do foxes eat cats and small dogs?
While rare, foxes may prey on very small pets, particularly kittens or tiny dogs. However, most adult cats and dogs are too large for foxes to consider as prey. Foxes are more likely to avoid domestic pets than attack them.
What should I do if I see a fox in my yard?
Keep your distance and never attempt to feed it. Remove potential food sources like pet food, garbage, and fallen fruit. If the fox appears sick or aggressive, contact local wildlife authorities. Most healthy foxes will avoid human contact.
How much food does a fox need per day?
An adult fox needs approximately 1-2 pounds of food per day, though this varies by season, size, and activity level. During winter or while feeding kits, they may require more food.
Do foxes eat the same foods year-round?
No, fox diets change significantly with the seasons. Summer diets include more insects and fruits, while winter diets focus on cached food and whatever prey is available. Spring and fall are transitional periods with mixed diets.
Are foxes good for controlling pest populations?
Yes, foxes are excellent natural pest controllers. They consume large numbers of rodents, insects, and other small pests that can damage crops or spread disease. A single fox can eat hundreds of rodents per year.
What foods are dangerous for foxes?
Foods high in salt, sugar, or artificial additives can be harmful to foxes. Chocolate, grapes, onions, and processed foods should never be given to foxes. Feeding wild foxes any human food is discouraged and often illegal.
Wildlife Observation Tools
Observe wildlife safely and responsibly:
