Fox

Bath and North East Somerset Council Does Not provide a pest control service for the treatment of foxes but please read the following information for some guidance.

About Urban Foxes

Foxes are very adaptable animals and over recent years there has been a sharp increase in the number of foxes living in urban areas. They eat a wide range of foods both natural such as rabbits, birds etc. They will also take advantage of litter, bird food and discarded waste amongst other opportunities.

Foxes are mainly active at night and during the mating season around late January early February; they can make a lot of noise with their screaming and barking.

The Law

Although foxes are not a protected species, they are protected against any abuse or ill treatment. With regard to controlling the fox population, only certain ways of doing this are permitted under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 (as amended). It is illegal to kill them, or attempt to do so, by using any kind of poison and this includes gassing compounds. For more information follow the link to Natural England website.

FAQ’s

1. What can I do to stop foxes from entering my garden?

2. What are the signs that I have foxes coming into my garden?

3. Does the council have a duty to control foxes?

4. There is a dead fox in my garden what should I do?

5. Where can I go for further advice and information?

Answers

A1. There are a number of things you can do to help deter foxes from your garden:-

  • House domestic pets and poultry in fox-proof accommodation
  • Refrain from feeding household pets in the garden
  • Ensure that meat and household waste is not put on compost heaps
  • Keep your rubbish in bins until the day of collection wherever practicable. Make sure your bins have lids on.
  • Do not put refuse out until the day of collection
  • Wash out recyclables before storage or putting out for collection
  • Do not leave food out for foxes as this will only increase the number of foxes the area will sustain
  • You may also want to clear undergrowth and thick vegetation from gardens so that they do not have shelter

A2. Signs you may have a fox coming in to the garden are:

  • Faeces left by the fox around your garden. This may contain vegetable matter or feathers.
  • Hairs may get caught on fences which will be red/brown in colour
  • Foxes mark their territory and this can create a strong pungent smell can indicate fox activity
  • Physically sighting the fox!

A3. While local councils have certain legal duties to control pests such as rats and mice there is no legal duty to control urban foxes.

A4. The council has a duty to remove dead animals from public spaces but not from private land. The responsibility lies with the property owner.

If the animal is on the highway or pavement, or could potentially cause an accident, then please telephone council connect on 01225 39 40 41 Monday to Friday 08.00 to 18.00 (except Wednesdays 9.30 to 18.00 and Bank Holidays) or the out of hours/emergency number 01225 477 477 at any other time.

Please click Report It to email details regarding a dead animal in a public space.

Where to go for further advice

The Fox Project www.foxproject.org.uk

Fox Deterrence Helpline
01892 826222 (24 hours recorded DIY advice).

Natural England – www.naturalengland.org.uk

 

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