STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A Staten Island resident got quite the surprise this week when an unexpected visitor trotted across her front porch.
A fox was caught on a Ring camera around 9 p.m. Monday strolling through a normally quiet block near a school and busy road, leaving locals doing double-takes.
The homeowner, who asked not to be identified, said she didn’t believe what she was seeing at first.
“My brother yelled that a fox was on our porch, and I didn’t believe him until I checked the Ring camera,” said the resident. “I saw it walk past the food we leave for the cats and head up the block.”
The sighting quickly sparked concern, especially for pet owners in the area.
“I got nervous because I walk my dog around here, and many neighbors leave their dogs outside,” she said. “So I sent the video to a few people to warn others to be careful with their pets.”
While Staten Island has had its share of unusual wildlife moments — turkeys blocking traffic, deer showing up in parking lots — it’s still a shock to see a fox on your front porch.
Based on its appearance, the animal may be a red fox, the species most commonly spotted on Staten Island, according to the New York City Wildlife website.
Red foxes are primarily nocturnal, making a 9 p.m. sighting likely, and they’re known to move more frequently during the colder months.
“We’ve never seen anything like this,” she added. “Especially with a school across the street, lots of people outside, and a busy road nearby. It really made me wonder where a fox could even hide around here.”
Residents who spot a fox are advised to keep their distance, secure trash and outdoor food, and supervise pets.
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