Download Fox management in urban areas Fact sheet

Fox management in urban areas
Fact sheet - How you can deter foxes
November, 2016
Foxes are established pest animals in Victoria. They cannot be eradicated from the state and
require ongoing management by all public and private land owners
Foxes are very common in urban areas due to their ability to scavenge food.
Studies have shown that fox numbers are higher in urban areas than rural areas of Victoria. In
urban areas they are able to access food scraps, backyards with compost, bins and small pets.
They can be seen during the day and not just at night where there is little threat from humans.
Foxes can travel large distances which makes the control very difficult without a coordinated
effort across all landowners in an area.
In agricultural areas the most effective control measures are baiting, fencing and shooting. Both
of these techniques are very difficult in urban areas.
Pet dogs and other pets are at risk if they are roaming where baits are laid.
Foxes are agile and intelligent animals. They are not a risk to humans unless they are cornered.
Residents and business owners should not rely on fencing as foxes can climb high fences.
Fox management in urban areas
To deter foxes, you can:
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Use secure compost and waste bins.
Ensure you do not leave pet food outside (particularly at night).
Minimise the time your chicken, guinea pigs or other animals are outside enclosed areas.
Ensure chicken coops are fox-proof and fastened tightly each night.
Clear fallen fruit from trees.
Lock up your pets at night but beware that foxes move around during the day.
Get an appropriate licensed pest animal contractor to locate the den site which could be
under a building and collapse the den.
Try trapping and baiting which should only be conducted by an experienced and licensed
contractor.
Fox management in agricultural areas
Effective fox management requires an integrated approach utilising all available management
practices including poison baiting, trapping, exclusion fencing, fumigation and appropriate animal
husbandry.
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Hunting can play an important role in supporting an integrated management approach in regional
and rural areas. If you do not live in an urban area and want to find out more about the Fox and
Wild Dog Bounty, visit Agriculture Victoria website:
agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/pests-diseases-and-weeds/pest-animals
Impact of the red fox
Pests like the red fox were deliberately introduced into Victoria in the 1870s for recreational
hunting. As Australia didn’t have many large mammal predators before this, foxes spread
throughout mainland Australia and have contributed to the extinction of at least 20 native species.
The fox has played a major role in the decline of ground-nesting birds, small to medium sized
mammals such as the greater bilby, and reptiles such as the green turtle.
Predation by foxes continues to undermine recovery efforts for threatened species.
For more information: environment.gov.au/system/files/resources/1910ab1d-a019-4ece-aa981085e6848271/files/european-red-fox.pdf