Whether admired or detested, foxes have become a familiar sight in London during the night. These wild creatures are well adapted to urban life, with the capital housing an estimated population of around 10,000 red foxes. As summer unfolds, the antics of young cubs are particularly noticeable, often leading to chaos in parks and gardens. While adult foxes typically visit and leave without incident, the playful cubs can create a bit of a ruckus, occasionally leaving unexpected surprises for homeowners by morning.
A Surprising Encounter in a London Garden
This was the case for Ranvia Johal, a London resident who experienced a rather unusual 4 am visit from a fox in her back garden. To her astonishment, the fox had brought along an unexpected treasure. In a TikTok video, she shared her humorous encounter, stating, “If anyone is mysteriously missing a bag of large Yorkshire puddings, then no worries because fantastic Mr Fox dragged them into my back garden at 4am last night.” The video vividly captures the fox as it frolics in her garden, a transparent plastic bag filled with Yorkshire puddings clamped tightly in its mouth.
As the mischievous animal attempts to haul its prize across the lawn, several of the Yorkshire puddings tumble out onto the grass. The fox’s curiosity is piqued as it investigates the fallen treats before enthusiastically tearing into the remains of the bag. The amusing footage quickly gained traction, amassing hundreds of thousands of views within days, prompting viewers to flock to the comments section to share their reactions to the quirky incident. One viewer remarked, “Imagine if you hadn’t witnessed this and just woke up to Yorkshire puddings scattered across your garden.” Another quipped, “It’s like the Easter Bunny but from Yorkshire.” A third observer noted, “They’d be ever so dry. I would have hopped up and made him some Bisto.” Yet another chimed in, “This is the most British thing I’ve ever seen.”
Coexisting with Urban Wildlife
While the sight of playful foxes may appear charming, their presence can sometimes lead to disturbances, as these animals are known for being vocal and disruptive, particularly at night. Fortunately, there are straightforward measures that homeowners can take to deter foxes from their gardens. The RSPCA suggests that cohabitation can be harmonious, given that foxes are predominantly nocturnal and tend to stay away when people are present. For those who prefer to keep foxes at bay, it is advisable to eliminate any food sources that might attract them. This includes removing bird feeders, securing vegetable and fruit patches with robust fencing or weld-mesh, and ensuring that bins and composters are securely closed to deny access to scraps.
Additionally, it is wise to keep pets, such as rabbits, indoors or in a secure enclosure at night. This enclosure should feature a solid roof and floor, reinforced weld-mesh fencing, and a securely locked door to provide protection against potential intruders. By taking these precautions, residents can enjoy their gardens without the unexpected company of a hungry fox.
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