Lane Cove Gets Foxy

By
Jacky Barker
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In the Cove regularly receives Fox sightings reports, our cover photo is a fox spotted in Lane Cove recently.

Some residents are a bit surprised to see foxes in Lane Cove. Over the years, we have been advised of fox sightings at Blackman Park, Gamma Road, Dorritt Street, Banksia Close, Elizabeth Parade and even Longueville Road (to name a few).

Foxes are considered pests, and the Lane Cove Council has joined with other Northern Sydney Councils to implement a Fox Control Programme.

In fact, foxes are one of the most invasive species in Australia. Foxes are considered a threat to nearly 80 species of native animals (including mammals, birds, reptiles, and tortoises).

Unfortunately, foxes are extremely difficult to trap – they are very, very cunning.

Do we want foxes in suburbia? This is a vexed question. Foxes play a role in keeping the feral cat numbers in check. Feral Cats have also been responsible for the decline in native animal numbers.

Lane Cove Fox Sightings Over the Years

 

How can you help with Fox Control Reduction?

If you see a fox:

  • Contact the Lane Cove Council via email at [email protected], phone 9911 3555 or enter an online service request.
  • Do not leave pet food outside
  • Clear fallen fruit from trees
  • Record fox sightings on Foxscan. FoxScan is a community website that allows you to record and map sightings of foxes or other feral animals in Lane Cove.

What is the Lane Cove Council doing to Reduce Fox Numbers?

When In the Cove started reporting on fox sightings in Lane Cove (our first article was back in 2017), the Lane Cove Council’s main fox control programme was by baiting. From time to time, you would see notifications informing you when a fox-baiting programme would be undertaken.

This seems to have changed with the following appearing on the Lane Cove Council website:

“Control of urban foxes is made complex by their interactions and proximity with humans. Council has found that the most effective and humane method of fox control is through the implementation of a strategic shooting program conducted under strict controls. Council employs licenced feral animal control specialists to conduct fox and rabbits shoots in several locations in the LGA.”

North Sydney Council Baiting Programme

The North Sydney Council recently conducted a baiting programme.  We published an article earlier this year written by Advance Vet Care about how to protect your pet when a council is undertaking baiting.   You can read it here.

 

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