Lifespan Of A Fox

[TopKat]

We've got a fox that visits our garden regularly - he's there now, lying in the sun by the pond. My question is, can this be the same fox we've been seeing for the last 2 years? It looks like the same one, which has a very lame back leg, but I wonder if it really can be. Can a fox in such poor physical condition actually hunt? Or could he be surviving on food put out by other people? How long do foxes live? Thanks for any advice!

[Old_Geezer]

I assume urban ones scavange bins and stuff, or live on what the misguided leave out. In the wild they'd manage about 3 years. If cared for can do 10 to 12 maybe.

[Gizmonster]

According to: http://www.wildaboutbritain.co.uk/fox
.... A fox may survive for up to 2 years in the wild, normally, but a lifespan of 10 years has been known.

[TopKat]

So maybe it could be the same one. I live on a housing estate, but there's open country nearby. Perhaps he can find enough rubbish etc. Also, knowing the locals, he's probably being fed! Thanks!

[Chipchopper]

Fox's living in urban environments, life is pretty easy, they will survive mostly by scavenging on thrown away food and hand-outs and the odd road kill, unlike their country cousins which mostly hunt for small mammals + seasonal fruit.
18 months-2 years sounds about average but there are always exceptions and 12 years would be exceptional and with old age of course, comes wisdom