A persistent and often sensationalized concern relates to the safety of pets and people. While foxes are not aggressive towards adult humans and are generally timid, there have been a few well-publicized incidents, mostly involving young children, which fuel the narrative of the fox as a menace. Expert analysis overwhelmingly suggests that attacks on ambulant humans are exceptionally rare. A greater risk exists for small, unsecured pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and poultry, which a fox views as legitimate prey. The key to mitigating this risk lies entirely with the pet owner: hutches must be robust, secured with bolt locks, and preferably elevated or constructed with wire mesh buried into the ground to prevent digging access.
