New research reveals more foxes in Bournemouth than the countryside

There are more foxes in Bournemouth per sq km than in the country Credit: PA

Bournemouth has been revealed as the urban fox capital of Great Britain, with more of the creatures per square kilometre than any other urban area.

The numbers - 23 per sq km - mean the resort has a higher concentration of foxes than the countryside.

Credit: PA

A new study by scientists at Brighton and Reading universities revealed the number of foxes in UK towns and cities is around 150,000, equivalent to one per 300 people.

Mammalian biologist Dawn Scott and behavioural zoologist Phil Baker asked members of the public to report sightings of urban foxes in July and August from 2013-2015.

They were surprised to discover the steep increase in urban areas which has happened at the same time as a decline in the countryside.

Credit: PA

And they believe Bournemouth's leafy suburban gardens, as well as the sentimentality of the people living in the area, could explain the rise.

The town has a considerably higher number than other areas at 23 per sq km with London next at 18, Bristol in third with 16, followed by Newcastle with 10.