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Ella Purnell has been sharing a quiet, oddly charming saga from her London garden: a fox that keeps returning to her back door. Short clips and playful captions have turned the visits into a small internet event, drawing fans and sparking debate about how people should behave around urban wildlife.
How Ella captured a recurring backyard visitor
Purnell, who splits her time between London and filming projects, first posted brief Instagram Stories of the fox three years ago. The animal kept appearing at her sliding glass door. Her followers watched as the fox sniffed, peered in and sometimes ignored food placed nearby.
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Moments that went viral
- Footage shows the fox poking its nose through a narrow opening in the door.
- Purnell uses soft noises and taps on the glass to coax the animal closer.
- Several clips captured the fox chewing on outdoor fixtures and rejecting offered food.
Fans saved and reposted the stories. Some clips are now available on YouTube and other social feeds. The charm of the encounters—part curious fox, part bemused human—helped the videos spread quickly.
What happened when she finally offered food
After years of short interactions, Purnell says she “caved” and put food out for the fox. She offered a whole carrot. The fox took one bite and left the rest untouched. In a moment that startled viewers, the animal then urinated on the remnant before walking away.
The exchange amused many followers, but it also raised practical questions about diet and wildlife etiquette.
Diet facts from wildlife groups
According to U.K. advocacy groups that study fox behavior, these animals are opportunistic omnivores. They eat small mammals, eggs and insects, but when meat is scarce they will select fruits, seeds and scraps.
Fruit slices, such as apple, are more likely to appeal than raw vegetables like an uncut carrot. Still, experts stress that human food can be poorly balanced for wild animals.
Why feeding foxes stirs strong reactions online
The videos prompted a lively discussion on Reddit and other forums. Some users defended Purnell’s affection for the animal. Others warned that any human food or regular feeding can change an animal’s behavior and put it at risk.
Conservation professionals consistently advise against feeding wild animals. Habitual feeding increases the chances animals will approach people, which can end badly for both parties.
- Feeding can cause habituation to humans.
- It may foster dependency on unnatural food sources.
- Animals conditioned to humans can be removed or put down when they become a nuisance.
How London foxes differ from rural ones
Local commentators pointed out that urban foxes in London often show less fear of people than countryside foxes. Centuries of coexistence with humans have made many London foxes bold and adaptable.
Some residents share stories of foxes wandering into houses through open doors or calmly investigating living rooms. These anecdotes help explain why many Londoners feel comfortable observing and sometimes feeding these animals.
Yet even in cities, wildlife experts urge restraint. Human familiarity does not equal domestication, and risks remain.
Practical advice for people who encounter urban foxes
For anyone who meets a fox in a yard or alley, the safest course is to observe from a distance and avoid routine handouts. If you want to help urban wildlife responsibly, consider these steps:
- Do not feed—regular feeding promotes habituation and conflict.
- Secure bins and compost to remove easy food sources.
- Keep pets inside or supervised to prevent confrontations.
- If an animal appears injured or ill, contact a local wildlife rescue or council service.
- Provide water only if you are sure it won’t attract more animals to a hazardous spot.
Public responses and the lighter side of the story
Alongside expert warnings, the social threads included humor. Some commenters joked about the fox’s bathroom habits and pointed out quirks of urban wildlife. Others urged outsiders not to judge Londoners who have long shared space with foxes.
Many residents say these animals are part of the city’s fabric. Still, the incident illustrates the tension between fascination and responsibility when wildlife appears at our doors.
Purnell’s clips continue to circulate, prompting more people to share their own close encounters and to ask whether a carrot, an apple slice or nothing at all is the right response when a fox turns up in a backyard
