The fox is a species that is fully protected throughout the Brussels Region.
It is therefore forbidden to hunt, capture, keep, transport or disturb the fox. If a pair of foxes establishes itself on private land, residents or society must take it into account until the end of the breeding period at the end of September.
Thereafter, if necessary, administrative steps can be taken with the Biodiversity Service of Brussels Environment (application for an exemption to destroy a den).
Living together is possible and this is illustrated daily in Brussels.
Foxes in urban areas?
It is essential to respect the wild nature of the animal. It is forbidden to feed it and have physical contact with it.
The health risk is not present in Brussels (no rabies or alveolar echinococcosis), but it is important to pay attention to some points, such as:
- Do not feed the fox directly
- Do not feed pets outside
- Do not leave personal belongings (sandals, gardening tools, children's toys, cushions,...) in the garden at night
- Do not make physical contact, even with a sick or weakened fox
- Wash your hands after cleaning up droppings
- Deworm pets that use the garden
Physical contact with a fox?
Unlike domestic dogs, there are no cases of fox attacks on humans in Brussels. The only risk exists if you try to make physical contact with a fox. The animal only has a jaw to defend itself, if it misinterprets the attempt to pet or feed it (which is forbidden).
Injured or sick foxes?
Because the fox is protected, authorities in Brussels do not intervene in healthy animals. If a fox is injured or sick, the fire brigade has a special department for wild animals. It is authorised to catch the fox so that it can be taken care of by the Society for the Protection of Birds.
More info?
More info on the habits of the fox in urban areas:
External siteBeM Bêtes urbaines - Sur les traces du renard (podcast, in French)