The Jersey Shore has some new temporary neighbors, as a mama fox is raising her kits in Monmouth County right next to the boardwalk, and animal experts say there's no reason for concern.

News 12 counted five kits and the vixen. The mama fox made a den next to the dunes, and crews cordoned off access from the beach to give mom some room. 

Ross Licitra, director of the Monmouth County SPCA, says fox thrive in the beach environments becuause of ample food sources.

Licitra says it’s fine to take pictures from the boardwalk, but don’t climb over the fencing and don’t feed them. He says foxes are not aggressive, but they will protect their young. He also says they're great at reducing the rodent population.

Licitra also says fox sightings in neighborhoods by the beach are common and there's nothing to fear.