Cunning! How the fox has wheedled its way into the affections of 1 in 7 of us

THEY are fearless scavengers who screech during the night and possess a frightening set of sharp gnashers.

But urban foxes still retain a soft spot in the hearts of many people, with one in seven Britons encouraging them to visit their gardens, a study suggests.

Scientists, however, are warning that these ‘pet foxes’ carry deadly parasites which pose a risk to dogs.

The study found that about six million households received recurring visits from a local fox. And almost half of the families that were visited – 48 per cent – said they would be disappointed if they no longer received a visit. But scientists warn that a parasite, called lungworm, which is spread through fox faeces, can infect the slugs and snails which dogs then eat. It can make pets unwell, causing them to lose weight, and can damage their hearts. The YouGov survey, commissioned by campaign group Act Against Lungworm, found almost one in ten Britons who have a regular fox visitor consider it part of the family. Of the 2036 people surveyed, 8 per cent said they leave out food, water or toys for the animal – or even stay awake in the hope of seeing it.

But research found nearly three quarters of foxes in Greater London were infected with the parasite, with other hot spots including south-east England and south Wales. In these areas dogs were up to five times more likely to be infected than elsewhere.

Research leader Professor Mark Fox, from the Royal Veterinary College, said foxes were ‘year-round, wild animal reservoirs of infection for urban dogs’.

He said: ‘Dog owners should consult their local veterinary practice to find out if lungworm is seen locally.’