|
|
OXTON LIBERAL DEMOCRATS
Foxes Update
Councillor Pat Williams put a question to the Council on the subject of urban foxes.
See below for Pat's question and the response given.
|
| Question - Urban Foxes |
I must admit that I do enjoy catching a glimpse of a fox walking by from time to time. However,
during the last six months I have received a number of reports of fox activity in people’s gardens in an area of
Oxton and more sightings in the general urban environment which have caused significant concern to householders and
their families.
There are reports of foxes becoming increasingly bold and entering people’s houses, of cats being
killed and eaten, of four foxes actually surrounding and frightening a constituent for three to four minutes when
she was putting her bin out. Also, a female was being prevented from going into her house and had to call for help
to chase a fox away from her front door. Children have been scared to play in their gardens when foxes have got in
and also concern has been expressed regarding the potential risk to their health from fox secretions and fouling.
I have received useful responses and advice from Council Officers which I have passed on to constituents and I have
also forwarded general advice found on the internet which has been much appreciated. However, Council does not have
a policy to deal with fox problems.
On behalf of constituents I ask what might be done to deal with localised fox
problems which are a matter of genuine concern to numerous people in the area. In addition, how this issue is tackled
in other urban areas and what general Government advice is given to Local Authorities to deal with the matter.
Cllr. Patricia M. Williams
|
| Council Response |
Dear Oxton Resident
As a result of concerns expressed to your local Ward Councillor Pat Williams regarding the presence of foxes in your neighbourhood, I am writing to draw your attention to the information below.
Foxes are not classified as vermin and although they can be viewed as an attractive part of the urban environment by some, others can view the problems associated with urban foxes as a nuisance. Foxes should not be encouraged to frequent residential gardens.
Urban Foxes
A fully grown fox is slightly larger than a male cat. It weighs about 6kgs and is about 60cms long excluding the bushy tail.
All have pointed faces, red brown fur with long black hairs, a white throat and chest, and black legs.
Where do they live?
Due to suburban development of their natural habitats, foxes are born and raised in built up areas, and would struggle to survive in open country.
Foxes dens, called earths, have one entrance and one exit (bolt hole), and these are to be found under garden sheds, in dense undergrowth, or in banks of earth.
What damage do they cause?
To buildings
Foxes will make an earth under a house if they can gain access through an airbrick, or by any other means.
Within gardens
Although fouling and urinating is the main method of marking their territory, this should not cause a great problem in our gardens, as foxes only shed a few drops of urine at a time. However, foxes will tunnel under sheds or among shrubs, making large piles of earth or sand. Occasionally they will, at certain times of the year (mainly Autumn), dig shallow holes in the lawn when they hunt for earthworms or grubs.
How can I get rid of them?
Proofing
To protect chickens, rabbits and other domestic pets, or prevent access to a garden, a barrier of at least 2 metres high with a 30cm overhang should be erected and buried into the ground to a depth of 30cms. Cages and runs for animals should be constructed of galvanised mesh rather than chicken wire.
Repellents
Chemical repellents, approved for use against foxes, are often the most effective way of keeping them away from your property. These products contain pungent chemicals which, although not harmful to animals, will make treated areas less attractive to foxes. Products of this nature can be purchased at most garden centres.
Deterrents
Other methods of keeping foxes at bay are:
- ultra sonic devices
- automatic water jet adapters, which connect to hose pipes
- removing food sources
- keeping all domestic waste in refuse bins or closed containers
- protecting all animals and livestock
- only putting refuse out on the morning of collection
Do not leave food out for other animals e.g. cats, dogs, rabbits. Be careful where you leave food for wild birds - only use proper bird feed containers.
For further assistance visit the National Fox Welfare Society website or call them on 01933 411996.
Wirral Council has no service for the control of foxes and various Acts of Parliament make controlling them in residential areas very difficult, but by following the above advice householders will be discouraging foxes to remain in the vicinity.
Below I have also detailed two links to websites which contain further useful information:
Dealing with problems caused by foxes
Natural England Species Information Note
I hope this information is of assistance to you.
Regards,
Environmental Health Strategic Manager |
|
|
|
