Since its introduction to Sydney almost 150 years ago, the European Red Fox Vulpes has contributed to serious declines and extinctions in native fauna.
Native Australian animals didn’t evolve with foxes and have not developed strategies to avoid fox predation. As a result, native species as varied as reptiles, frogs and insects are easy prey to foxes and other introduced predators. Ground-dwelling native animals and freshwater turtles are also particularly at risk.
Even small numbers of foxes can devastate populations of native animals and jeopardise recovery efforts for threatened species.
Foxes are well known for surplus killing: savaging multiple animals at one time but eating few or even none of their victims. In June 2015 a single fox killed nearly a quarter of the little penguin population in Manly in less than two weeks.
How you can help?
Foxes are wily creatures but can be identified through their kills or scat.
Fox Scat Identification
- Fox scats are similar to small dog scats; however they are thinner and have a distinct curved tail at the end.
- Fox scats will contain hair, seeds and bone due to their unique omnivorous diet.
Reporting fox sightings
You can report fox sightings to Council or by downloading the FoxScan App.
The following general tips will also help:
- Not leaving pet food out overnight
- Using enclosed compost bins
- Removing fallen fruit at base of garden trees and on lower branches
- Keeping garbage bins and skip bins covered
- Keeping domestic prey animals such as poultry in fox-proof enclosures; and
- Join a local Bushcare group to help control fruit-bearing weeds
Council's management of foxes
Following on from the success of the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Council’s (SSROC) Pest Animal Action Group, a subsequent Integrated Fox Management Program has been developed in close association with neighbouring Councils.
Georges River Council is currently implementing Stage 2 - Control/Contract Procurement of the Program which will include:
- On-site assessments including rigorous work, health and safety procedures resulting in a final list of approved sites and dates for work to commence, estimated to be August 2019.
- Tendering of a suitable contractor for approved on-ground control works in appropriate public reserves.
- Ongoing infrared monitoring of fox activity in public reserves.
More Information
Further enquiries or reports of foxes in your area can be directed to Council’s Senior Environment Officer on 9330 6053 or by email.
You can also visit the SSROC website for useful resources or review the Fox Control Fact Sheet.