PHOTO VIA WIKIPEDIA, CC BY-SA
Least ConcernLeast ConcernExtinct
The picture
Foxes are adaptable and mostly stable, thriving even in cities. Their biggest hidden threat is secondary poisoning from rat poisons that move up the food chain.
The science
Tribe Vulpini. Red foxes use the Earth’s magnetic field to help judge distance when pouncing.
Worth repeating at dinner
Foxes may use Earth’s magnetic field to help aim their pounce.
- Nat Geo
Urban foxes help control rodents naturally.
- IUCN
What they face
Rodenticide poisoning
Poisoned rodents pass toxins to foxes and raptors.
Xerces Society
What is already working
Rodenticide-free towns
Communities switch to safer pest control.
Reasons for hope
Safer pest control spreading
More towns are phasing out second-generation rodenticides.
Meet them
Small actions that reach them
Go pesticide-free in your garden
Pesticides harm pollinators and cause secondary poisoning up the food chain.
Teach a child one animal fact
Early nature connection is the strongest predictor of lifelong conservation behavior.
Drive slower on rural roads at dusk
Millions of wild animals die in vehicle collisions yearly; dawn and dusk are peak crossing times.
Make a gap for wildlife in your fence
Hedgehogs, frogs and small mammals need to roam between gardens to find food and mates.
People doing the big work
Hopeling is also a pocket companion: one fact, one small act a day. Open the app