Neil Aldridge's Image

Neil Aldridge (South Africa) highlights the injuries sustained by a fox - most likely caused by dogs.

Neil framed this fox, teeth exposed, peering out from its makeshift den in a rehabilitation centre in Kent, England. This image is part of Neil’s nine-year-long project photographing the complex relationship between people and the red fox in the UK.

Working with rescuers at the facility, Neil took care not to cause additional stress to the animal. Adopting a slow, patient approach, he made sure the fox was comfortable with his presence first. Neil then took just a few frames as the fox came close to the entrance of the makeshift den.

Since 2005 in England and Wales it’s been illegal to poison foxes, use dogs to hunt them or block or destroy occupied foxholes. The injuries suffered by this individual were likely inflicted by dogs illegally sent into its den to flush it out. The fox was later released back into the wild, though with its teeth and eye socket left permanently exposed.

How you can help

• If you want to discourage foxes from coming onto your property, secure your food waste in bins and use fencing to protect any livestock you have.
• Foxes don't need to be fed by us and items such as chicken carcasses and bread can be dragged into neighbouring gardens, attracting pests.
• In the UK, it's illegal to poison foxes, block or destroy occupied foxholes or use dogs to hunt foxes. You can report fox hunting to the Police Wildlife Crime Unit online or by calling 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.