Could a fox really bite through car tyres ?
A friend of a friend has a problem with his car tyres - in that they are being destroyed by something - they have proof from a doorbell camera, that appears to show a fox repeatedly biting them !!
Now, car tyres are extremely robust, thick rubber with steel strengthening in the main belt around the outside - so I find it extremely hard to see how a fox could ever open it's mouth wide enough to bite through tough rubber (why would it do it anyway ?)
The tyres (two front ones) appear to be knifed (their description of the cut marks) deep enough to puncture them…..
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maybe it was coincidence that the fox was interested in the tyres
Seems more likely someone is purposely damaging them
Strange how nothing has been caught on their camera though?
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They absolutely wrecked my garden couple years back chewed threw water features solar lights dug big den threw sliders round garden I thought I was being targeted I had to put orange peels and chilli on thier den and wee everywhere I sat up watching I was shocked was same fox every night
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They do make a mess - but not actually bite through car tyres !
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Gus chews a rubber Kong Extreme, but it still takes him weeks or even months to destroy it.
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Is that who chewed the tyres, Teen Wolf's old man?
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I saw on the TV a few years back a recording of a man encouraging his dog to bite someone else's car tyres causing damage (neighbourhood dispute type thing). I don't recall it being a monster size dog so possibly a fox could do damage...
Or maybe one of your neighbors doesn't like you…
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It is a thing as I've heard about this before a couple of times, along with the cables under a car that foxes like to bite/chew. A good repellent spread on the tyre's might keep them at bay.
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Yh hybrid super fox rats can chew through bricks and apparently they are getting bigger !!!
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Unfortunately, yes, a fox could definitely cause flat tires! They've got very strong jaws with sharp teeth!
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Tyres have steel braid in them !
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As MCMikey said, I've also seen stories about dog owners getting their dogs to bite through car tyres. I've never heard of a fox doing it though.
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Foxs have very long incisors. These are specifically designed for puncturing and ripping through animals. But will obviously have exactly the same cutting power on a tyre. That would explain why the tyres appear to be knifed rather than having chunks bitten out of them.
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I'm surprised to learn this Wibbles. I've often lived near fox dens and still do, but I've never heard of them damaging car tyres.
Foxes are notoriously attracted to the taste and smell of soy-based insulation around lots of car wiring. Small breaks in the rubber casing of such wiring can attract them. That's usually under the car though.
The steel on tyres is essentially around the loop where they contact the wheels and in the tread, the sides of tyres are very vulnerable.
This lady uses a fox repellent spray because her tyres were being damaged:
Elsewhere ITV showed footage of them doing it to a van:
Reddit have discussed it:
https://www.reddit.com/r/CarTalkUK/comments/ww02zk/foxes_are_chewing_my_tyres/
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/PlumsteadPeople/posts/27755771994069512/
In Dartford:
Even the Daily Fail has reported it, so it must be true!
It's clearly a thing, there are loads more.
There are a few suggestions on those boards, I'd start by putting 2-litre bottles filled with water beside the tyres. Foxes don't like the reflections from the water. I've known a few people stop foxes damaging garden ornaments etc that way, and they're free with a long drink!
I also wonder if very low profile tyres may be better. They will be stronger.
My cats sometimes chew things, as did my dog. That can help clean and look after their teeth. That would be my guess why they do it, or they've enjoyed chewing the soy flavour from rubber elsewhere.
🤔
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Maybe it is true then ?
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Oh it's definitely true @Wibbles foxes have a very strong bite force for animals their size and it doesnt take too much force to push a needle sharp object into a tire.
So them saying it looks like the tyres had been knifed would fit the fox's bite marks perfectly.
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I've never known them go through car tyres but I can believe it after seeing what they chewed through in my forestry days … 'unbreakable' plastic was an appetiser.
We all had soft spots for foxes. Whenever the farmers would go past on a hunt, 10 tonne machines would mysteriously break down for a few hours blocking the road
It got quite fraught and heated at times 🤣
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Wow, I didn't think they were capable of that! Every day's a learning day I guess. 🙈
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