Will a fox attack a human?

[MKetter]

I’ve seen a fox out in the morning when I take the birds out to their run. Twice now. Today it went about 10’ or less up to the run. The chickens all tried to get away from it, going to the other end of the run. I was coming out of the house when I saw this. I ran after it chasing it away. I’m wondering if a fox will turn and run after me and try to attack me. (The run is enclosed. It would have to dig under it to get in.)

 

[sourland]

A healthy fox will not attack a human. A rabid fox very well might.

 

[Lacy Duckwing]

A healthy fox will not attack a human. A rabid fox very well might.

This.

If it's too much of a concern, especially if it is coming close to humans (though it's after all that food - aka, your chickens), it might be worth a call to your local game warden.

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

We have distemper in our county right now and I have read animals with distemper can act similar to animals with rabies and they lose their fear of humans in those cases.

 

[5Australorpasaures]

I've had fox come with in 15 feet of me sitting on the porch and veer off, Island Beach State Park they will come right up to your bait box and try to make off with clams, bunker or your lunch. One would sit at the entry gate like your pet dog with the ranger standing there waving you in.

 

[Winchester169]

I’ve seen a fox out in the morning when I take the birds out to their run. Twice now. Today it went about 10’ or less up to the run. The chickens all tried to get away from it, going to the other end of the run. I was coming out of the house when I saw this. I ran after it chasing it away. I’m wondering if a fox will turn and run after me and try to attack me. (The run is enclosed. It would have to dig under it to get in.)

That's a good question. Unfortunately for me, I would only think of it after the encounter.

 

[FrostRanger]

Any animal will try and defend itself if it feels cornered or if their young are in danger, sick or otherwise. If an animal has lost their fear of humans for other reasons they might as well. That said, a healthy fox with plenty of ways to escape being chased from your territory where their young are not involved will almost always choose to run than face off against something 10 times their size. That said it certainly doesn't hurt to carry a big stick just in case and charge like you mean it, animals can sense fear and hesitation and some of the bolder individuals may try and stand their ground. If you think the fox might be sick do call your local game warden or animal control immediately, same if you feel the fox is getting way too bold and/or aggressive towards you

 

[Folly's place]

Canine distemper usually causes siezures, not the sort of aggression rabies can produce. As mentioned, cornering any critter can be a bad idea!
Just don't get bitten, and if you do, killing the critter without damaging it's head would be best, so it can be tested for rabies. Never mess with a possible rabies exposure!
Mary

 

[MKetter]

Thanks, all.