I have been contracted to catch and relocate a fox from a local college. The problem fox is wandering around campus during the day eating garbage and doesn't appear to be afraid of people anymore.

The fox is probably a kit from this year's litter. The maintenance guys saw the momma fox and kits moving in and out of the storm drains (kind of unusual isn't it?).

Although most of the sightings have been in one parking lot, it has been seen all over campus. I have walked the area around the parking lot, but have not found anything that looks like a den. In fact I haven't found much sign at all. My strategy is to find its den and put cage traps close by, out of sight of folks on campus.

Your thoughts?

You already said it; storm drains. That's where it was raised, that's what it knows. Find out where the drains go and look for sign there. Not necessarily where it sleeps, but may be using it as a travel route.

If the fox is approaching people, it may be a good idea to remove it from the site.... followed up with a STRICT policy of "No feeding any wild animal". It's typically animals that get used to handouts that become a problem. I think it was Mike Dwyer that said "a fed animal is a dead animal". Simple way to put it when telling "caring, compassionate" people how nice they are being to animals.

On the other hand, if it's not walking up to anyone and showing no signs of aggression.... why bother it? Why would they focus on the fox, when for darn sure there are 10 times as many coons on campus.... and they are way more likely to cause a problem relating to property damage, injury (to a "feeder" person), or disease. Funny how people are so focused only on what the can "see".

I would be REAL CAREFUL if getting involved in a trapping program in that case. Colleges are full of A-R people, and you could easily become a target for some real bad publicity. I've done work (commercial trapping jobs) for a couple colleges, and had to do it after dark, ultra-stealth mode due to the "progressive, advanced thinkers" at the college being TOO STUPID to understand wildlife biology and proper management techniques.

another good spot to find foxes at college is the dorms. wow some pretty ladies reside in them lol. makes me want to make a trip to visit my buddies.

good luck catching that little bugger. just be foxier then the fox.