Ever heard of a Fox Problem?

[CVBees]

Good Late winter to you all,

I went to my eventual location and talked to the property owner and he mentioned a Fox den less then 500 feet from where we decided to put my two hives and I was wondering has anyone heard of Foxes bothering bees?  I am prepared to put up a small fence with some hanging tin cans or reflective tape to make em think twice.

Thanks all
CV Bees

[Bee Happy]

I'm only starting my second year as a beekeeper; I've read as much as I could - I don't remember reading anything about foxes being a problem.
(why is it foxes and not foxen?  )

[doak]

Never heard of it. You need to be concerned about Skunks/Polecats. Set the colony up 16 to 20 inches above ground. The skunk has to stand on it's hind feet and expose it's under side, they will not. :)doak

[Yappy]

Fox is not a problem, but a solution!
Dinner for a Fox, mice, snake, rat.
Your hives will have a free pest patrol.
... Rob

[Eshu]

Not only will they eat pests, but their presence may keep other critters from moving into the territory.

Personally, I would welcome them.

[wd]

In another light, regardless of there presence, it could also mean there's an abundance of food (rodents) and enough water with in their territory to keep the fox den going. Example - there's an area near me that is over loaded with rattle snakes during the warmest of summer months. To me this says there is more then enough natural feed to allow the population to exist.

Rodents of the sort would be the problem with a hive, not the fox unless she/he decides to try and sit on top of the hive. I see them in trees a lot but I'd imagine they don't get stung to often sitting on a branch.

[CVBees]

I wasnt tooo worried but appreciate the support nonetheless.  I dont doubt there is ample vittle for a den of foxen/es but I am building a rodent resistant stand and hoping she and her kits can keep me in the clear.  8o)  Trust me I will update if I have any run-ins.

CV Bees