Why are there foxes in London?
There are foxes in London because red foxes have adapted to living in cities, where they find food, shelter and fewer predators. London has one of the highest densities of urban foxes in the world.
Urban foxes became common in British cities in the 1930s and 1940s, as suburbs expanded with large gardens, providing good habitat.
Foxes eat a wide range of food, including scraps from bins, insects, worms, birds and rodents. Some people feed them.
City life
Foxes often live under sheds, in railway embankments, parks and cemeteries. They are mainly active at night.
They are known for loud screaming calls during the breeding season in winter.
Estimates suggest there are around 10,000 or more foxes in London.
Foxes are generally shy and rarely dangerous to people. However, some residents consider them pests because they dig gardens and scatter rubbish.
Some foxes have even been found in unusual places, such as on top of The Shard during its construction. Urban foxes usually live only a few years, as many are killed by traffic. Wildlife experts advise people not to leave food out deliberately, as this can make foxes bolder and cause problems for neighbors.