FOOTAGE has emerged of an urban fox scavenging in a skip in Padgate.

The fox was spotted by residents on the evening of Thursday, November 3.

Urban foxes are common in the UK, and many people gain enjoyment from feeding the animals regularly.

Warrington Guardian: The fox was unmoved as the photographer approached it in PadgateThe fox was unmoved as the photographer approached it in Padgate (Image: Neil Gauton)

However, online guidance says that residents should be mindful that urban foxes - despite the name - are wild animals, and nobody should attempt to tame an urban fox.

Often spotted rummaging through rubbish late at night, or very early in the morning, urban foxes are known to eat an incredibly varied diet, including insects, birds, and fruit.

It is for this reason that foxes are not an uncommon sight dipping into rubbish bins, skips, and other sources of suitable food for the animals.

Highlighting how common urban foxes are in towns is the fact that they are accustomed to the sight of residents - with the fox that was spotted in Padgate not flinching at the sight of the person taking the footage.

The person who spotted the fox, Neil Gauton, said: "As I turned the corner I saw movement in the skip ahead and due to its size and colour I instantly realised it was a fox.

"What struck me the most was that this encounter occurred just before 9pm.

"The fox wasn't spooked by my presence and clearly found something tasty in the skip."

Online guidance available on BBC Wildlife suggests that urban foxes will eat almost anything, but if people decide to feed them they may start approaching other people for food - a situation which 'is not to be encouraged.'

The guidance adds: "Feed and watch them but don't try and tame them.

"In particular, don't put out excessive amounts of food and clear away any uneaten food.

"This will help ensure you do attract unwanted visitors, such as rats or cause a nuisance to your neighbours."

Warrington Guardian: The fox was spotted scavenging in a skip in PadgateThe fox was spotted scavenging in a skip in Padgate (Image: Neil Gauton)

Foxes becoming accustomed to humans is also explained in the guidance: "Many urban foxes are now so tame that they approach strangers in the expectation of being fed.

"Perhaps not surprisingly, a lot of people are scared by such behaviour because they do not know if the foxes are being aggressive or just inquisitive."