Scavengers lured by waste scraps

Urban fox numbers have quadrupled over the last 20 years to hit about 150,000 in England.

Bournemouth has the highest concentration of urban foxes in the UK, with 23 per square kilometre. In London it’s 18.

Animals often follow railway tracks into the heart of towns to feast on fast-food scraps and rats.

Only a quarter of foxes make it to two years of age – and just six out of 100 will reach four.

Fox attacks on humans are rare but they can pass on a painful skin condition known as sarcoptic mange and ringworm.

A fox’s territory can spread over 120 gardens, where they often make dens beneath sheds.