Hi all,
We live in northwest Arkansas just outside of Fayetteville on 3 wooded acres. We see foxes in our area off and on but usually it is just a glimpse and nothing more. Last night we were very rudely awakened by a LOUD two toned screeching noise at about 6am. It happned over and over and over. Eventually we could see a fox standing outside on a woodpile near the edge of our property. He/she eventually quieted down and we went back to sleep. This am he was still hanging around our property but did slink off when he saw us. This was about 9am. What are the chances that this fox is rabid? We have 2 cats that do go outside at times but sleep in the house and 2 small 15 pound dogs that are mainly inside but do occasionally go in the area where the fox was. I don't want the fox to hurt any of my animals. I realize foxes aren't usually aggressive but I didn't know if the noise was a mating call or if the fox was in distress. The noise was LOUD.

hey and Welcome.

mating time is usually from late december to january, your cats should be not problem, they can defend themselves very well with their claws.

from your description it is difficult (not to say impossible) to tell if the fox has rabies or any other illness, you can ask "Words" (member here) he has some foxes visiting him in his garden and cured one from rabies/mange. I would not see it as a problem when some foxes would be visiting my garden.


if you like foxes you should remember, that when you tell a Official Veterinarian, Hunter or "Animal Control" of your foxes, the chances are quite high that they will set traps to kill him

Welcome!
I agree that Words can probably give you the best information on that. Sorry i can't really help

Welcome.

I believe that this link will help you identify the type of call the fox was giving off:

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