An unusually social fox has moved into a residential area in Heby and follows dogs and children in the sledding hill. Several residents have reported the intrusive fox, which behaves like a dog and is not easily scared off. The municipality's ecologist is monitoring the situation but plans no action against the healthy animal.
In Heby, a locality in Uppsala County, a fox has drawn attention with its unusual behavior. It has been observed following dogs and running up to children in the local sledding hill, concerning residents. According to Anna Winnersjö-Edholm, the municipality's ecologist, the fox has moved into a residential area. "It is like a dog. It comes up to you and it almost feels like he wants to play. If you scare it, it runs only a short distance then right back", describes Heby resident Andreas Ivansson, who has captured the fox on camera.
Several videos of the fox are circulating on social media, and about ten people have contacted the municipality with complaints. "They have all been irritated and I can say that this is something we are following up on and making assessments about ongoing", says Winnersjö-Edholm. While foxes often move in built-up areas, this one stands out with its social demeanor. "It is unusually social and intrusive", she adds.
There are no plans for protective hunting or relocating the fox. "The municipality's mandate regarding protective hunting is to handle sick animals that risk infecting humans and that is not the case here. It is a fearless but fully healthy fox", explains Winnersjö-Edholm. She believes the situation may resolve itself. "As it ages, I think the forest will attract it more. It will want to find a larger territory and a partner as well as a better place for cubs", she says. With spring approaching, Ingela Hansson expresses concern: "I don't know if one will dare to have the patio door open come spring", after an encounter with the fox in the sledding hill.
The fox was first reported by Sala Allehanda, and SVT Nyheter has published a clip of the encounter.