A fox family has dug its den under the cement slab of my detached garage. I only see one hole, it's in back. I was not initially fearful; figured I leave them alone, they'll leave me alone. Two nights ago, very late, moonless and very dark, I was going quietly from house to garage when I heard (too dark to see) what I assume was a fox parent "huffing" at me from the direction of the side of the garage. I understand that he/she feels protective of its kits, and I was too wary to continue forward to the garage, for fear of provoking it. I quietly returned to house instead. Would a fox actually attack if it felt its kits were being threatened? How shall I behave in this type of situation? (My neighbor's bedroom windows are very near the property line, would want to avoid being too noisy at 1:00 a.m.!) I am happy to share my property with wildlife, but I need to safely move between my house and my garage. Also, when I mow lawn, need to remove gutter extenders, one of which is inches from den opening. Is it risky to go that close at this time? Thanks for your help.

They can be fairly protective and will try to keep you from coming close to the den site. They might approach you and make warning noises. It's unlikely that they would try to make physical contact or bite. Use your property as you normally would. It doesn't hurt to have a broom close by in case they do try to get too close. You can use the broom handle to keep them a safe distance from you. Squirting them with water from a garden hose may work as well. But if they exhibit behavior that makes you feel unsafe, you could hire a nuisance wildlife control operator to trap and remove them.