Are foxes dangerous? Do this if you see one in the wild.

Fox sightings can be rare, given their generally nocturnal nature, according to Wildlife Informer, but this doesn’t mean can't be seen during the day. While Wildlife Online explains there are no estimates of the global fox population, Peturity says there are 37 distinct species of fox. Only 12 of these species are “considered to be true foxes,” though.

With their rarity comes a lack of understanding of their behaviors and potential aggression in neighborhoods and the wild.

Are foxes dangerous? Here's what you need to know:

Are foxes dangerous?

Foxes are wild animals, meaning they should be treated with caution, but foxes are not typically aggressive or dangerous. The Humane Society explains foxes don’t often attack humans “except when they are rabid … or when they are captured and handled.”

When fox attacks occur, Wildlife Online says they usually consist of minor bites and, again, are notably rare. Foxes that do not appear afraid of you should be responded to with increased awareness, as they may “exhibit boldness or even approach you.”

AZ Animals says foxes are “not considered to be dangerous to humans,” because of their nocturnal behavior. Foxes do most of their hunting at night when they prey on smaller animals.

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How to identify a fox

Foxes, similarly to coyotes, are often compared with and mistaken for wolves. The biggest difference between coyotes and wolves is the wolves' greater size. Foxes are comparable to coyotes but are generally a smaller build.

According to AZ Animals, coyotes can grow to at least three feet and at most 4.5 feet in length, while foxes range between one to three feet. Foxes are also lighter than coyotes, weighing between two and 30 pounds.

While the color of a fox's coat differ by species, it is most commonly red, gray, silver or “yellow-ish brown.” Foxes have a longer, bushier tail that “is sometimes capped off with a white or black tip.”

What should you do if you see a fox?

A fox will usually flee an encounter with a human. If it does not, AZ Animals recommends staying calm and giving the fox enough room to escape. If the fox pays you no mind, do the same and let it continue with its business.

Bold foxes can be scared away by loud noises, water hoses, water guns and thrown objects, says the Humane Society. They also advise contacting your local “animal control agency, police department or health department” if a fox shows signs of rabies, mange or if your pet is bitten by a fox.

Are foxes canines?

Yes, foxes are canines. Foxes are a part of several genera, most notable the Vulpes genius, under the Canidae family of canines, according to Britannica. This puts them in the same family as jackals, wolves and dogs.

Canines are typically “slender long-legged animals with long muzzles, bushy tails, and erect pointed ears,” says Britannica.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Are foxes dangerous? How often they attack humans, act aggressive.