Eliminating healthy foxes is not warranted based solely on human safety concerns. People uncomfortable with the presence of foxes should remove attractants, exclude foxes with fencing and employ scaring techniques. In many cases, homeowner's perceptions of problems are unfounded and in some cases, the mere presence of a fox is perceived as a problem. Foxes can carry the organisms responsible for several contagious diseases such as mange, distemper, and rabies. The raccoon rabies strain is the only terrestrial strain of rabies in Connecticut.
Raccoons are the primary carrier but foxes can also be infected.
Foxes are the primary carrier for different strains of rabies that occur in other geographic regions. Animals that appear sick or that are acting abnormally should be avoided. Local animal control officers, police, or the Department of Environmental Protection should be contacted if assistance is needed with a diseased animal.