See Foxes Romp Through Yards In The Caldwells

CALDWELLS, NJ — A pair of foxes were caught on video romping through yards in the Caldwells last weekend, a week after local public safety officials issued a “wildlife notification” for the area.

The furry visitors were captured on doorbell video cameras and uploaded to the Neighbors by Ring app on Saturday.

One sighting took place in North Caldwell, where a resident wrote: “There is a fox living under my deck.”

Another sighting took place in Caldwell, where a resident wrote: “Foxy visits the Cedars!”

It's just one part of life in suburban New Jersey, where expanding housing development has increased the chances of interactions between humans and foxes, as well as other wildlife, according to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Watch the footage (video as seen on the Neighbors app). Story continues below.

FOXES, COYOTES IN THE CALDWELLS

Public safety officials in the Caldwells have issued multiple recent advisories about foxes and coyotes.

Last week, police in North Caldwell issued a "wildlife notification" after two incidents involving household pets and wild animals were reported in the township.

“It is mating season for some species of animals common to our area which may lead to a rise in sightings of foxes and coyotes,” North Caldwell police said. “Please remember to be aware of your surroundings when walking pets and keep them on leashes.”

• See related article: Pets Meet Wildlife In North Caldwell; Cops Issue Advisory

Last October, North Caldwell police issued an advisory about local fox sightings, several of which inspired calls to the cops.

"We are receiving many calls about foxes being seen out during the day,” police stated. “The Department of Fish and Game provide us with this information. Although primarily nocturnal (active at night), foxes are often seen in suburban or urban areas during the day."

"Foxes are also fairly transient animals and frequently move from place to place," police added. "Foxes present no danger to humans unless they are rabid, which is rare, or if they are being captured or handled. Please always use caution and report any unusual behavior or sick-looking foxes."

• See related article: North Caldwell Cops Getting 'Many Calls' About Fox Sightings

While very rare, fox attacks have been reported in the Essex County area in recent history.

Glen Ridge police said five fox attacks were reported in the township on the morning of Nov. 15, including one incident on Woodland Avenue. Three people were bitten during the attacks, and were taken to nearby hospitals.

Glen Ridge police officers located the fox suspected of committing the attacks on the NJ Transit railroad tracks near Toney's Brook. As the officers were tracking the animal, it turned on them and tried to bite.

The fox – which tested positive for rabies – was subsequently euthanized, police said.

• See related article: Fox That Attacked 5 In Essex County Had Rabies, Authorities Say

However, according to the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife, healthy foxes pose "virtually no danger" to humans.

Foxes will prey on small livestock such as ducks, chickens, rabbits and young lambs, but generally do not bother larger livestock. Cats may also be preyed on, state officials say.

The DFW writes:

"Foxes, especially red foxes, commonly live in close association with human residences and communities. They frequently inhabit yards, parks, and golf courses, especially areas that adjoin suitable, undeveloped habitat. Healthy foxes pose virtually no danger to humans. Foxes can grow accustomed to human activity but are seldom aggressive toward people. Expanding housing development, particularly in historically rural areas, increases the chances of interactions between humans and foxes, as well as other wildlife."

Ring, the owner of the Neighbors app, is a Patch advertiser. Patch received no compensation for this article.

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