'Abnormal' Fox Number In Elmhurst Neighborhood: Expert

ELMHURST, IL — A consultant recently hired by Elmhurst found an "abnormal" number of foxes in an Elmhurst neighborhood, but saw no evidence that they are dangerous or aggressive, the city reported last week.

The city did not identify the neighborhood in its online report, but it is likely in the area of Jackson Street and Swain Avenue, where Jackson Elementary School is. In mid-August, a resident from that neighborhood told the City Council that about a dozen foxes make their home there, creating fear among residents.

The city contracted with a consultant from Scientific Wildlife Management to study the issue. According to the report, the existence of foxes likely means coyotes are not in the area.

The report advised against trapping of foxes because that would endanger other animals and pets. It only recommended the removal of foxes if they are rabid or suffer from mange, a skin disease in mammals.

The report also said the abnormal number of foxes are likely because of feed or food left by people in the area, causing the concentration of the animals. If the unnatural food sources are removed, the consultant said, the foxes should distribute themselves away from the area to find natural sources.

"Foxes can grow accustomed to human activity but are seldom aggressive toward people," the report said.

The consultant also said a lawn may be a more attractive habitat for foxes than a nearby mature forest. The report suggests that people uncomfortable with the presence of foxes should remove attractants, exclude foxes with fencing and employ scaring techniques such as loud noises.

"During the spring, disturbing a fox's den with unnatural odors such as mothballs may prompt the animal to move," the report said. "Outdoor human food sources, such as pet food, water bowls, meat scraps on compost piles and fruit below fruit trees, should be removed."