A mother fox and her young touch in the early evening light Tuesday in east Lawrence. The mother and her six kits have taken up shelter in a old garage near Seventh and New York streets.

A family of foxes has made a rather public home out of an East Lawrence neighborhood.

It’s a sight that shouldn’t surprise, said Marty Birrell, director of Prairie Park Nature Center.

“They’re just making a living like everybody else,” Birrell said. “They’re probably hunting in the parks downtown.”

Like other animals, foxes learn how to navigate urban environments and are known to move into towns to avoid coyotes, she said.

The adaptable foxes hunt rabbits and mice and, if left alone, can live peacefully among people.

“They can move in and around where humans live without too much interference,” Birrell said.

And some people are happy for the new additions to their neighborhood.

“I love to see the foxes,” said Christy Brandt, who had a recent sighting. “I haven’t spotted any kits yet, but I’m waiting to see if there are any.”