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They rank amongst the most frequently observed garden visitors alongside birds and squirrels. Numerous gardeners delight in witnessing foxes within their gardens.
These bushy-tailed russet creatures carefully navigate across our grass and pathways whilst searching for food remnants and can prove quite useful, disposing of leftover meat following barbecues or removing any scraps that have spilled from rubbish bins.
However, other gardeners are less enthusiastic, as foxes frequently excavate soil, damage flower beds and may even target pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs.
These night-time foragers benefit from extended darkness during this season, prowling near residential properties throughout the lengthy December nights.
The RSPCA, an animal welfare organisation, is cautioning anyone with foxes visiting their garden that they must ensure compliance with legal requirements when attempting to discourage them, otherwise they risk facing severe penalties.
The charity explains that deterring foxes presents challenges, as frequently another fox will occupy the territory even after successfully relocating the original visitor, reports the Express.
The organisation stated: "You may enjoy seeing foxes in your garden but your neighbours may not! They might bury the extra food, leave droppings or cause other problems in your neighbour's gardens.
"Use an animal repellent approved for use with foxes - these are widely available from garden centres or hardware stores.
"[But] it's illegal to use any substance to deter foxes that hasn't been approved for that use.
"Some people may be concerned about foxes in their gardens causing noise or damage. We don't capture and remove healthy foxes. This seems like a simple solution, but it can harm the fox and often won't solve the problem.
"If a fox is moved and released elsewhere this will be in another fox's territory. There's the chance the fox could be attacked by the other fox, and struggle to find food or shelter in an unfamiliar place."
The charity encourages gardeners to employ 'non-harmful' deterrent techniques instead, such as scatter granules.
It states that using poison is strictly prohibited and any instances of poisoned foxes may result in a criminal investigation.
The charity went on: "The best solution for you and the fox is to use the non-harmful methods of deterrence described above. If a fox is removed from the garden, but the environment stays the same, then other foxes will move in to take advantage of the empty territory. If you can remove whatever was attracting the fox - such as food sources or shelter - then this fox will leave, and other foxes won't move in.
"It's illegal to poison foxes. The government's Wildlife Incident Investigation Scheme looks into the deaths of wildlife where pesticide poisoning may be involved.
"If you find a dead fox that you suspect has been poisoned, or find evidence of a pesticide that puts foxes or wildlife at risk, please visit the Scheme's website for further guidance.
"Don't touch the dead animal or bait, as some poisons can pass through the skin."