A Threat to Australian Wildlife and Domestic Animals

The Fox Threat in Australian Suburbs

Kathleen Luck, a resident of Brisbane, Australia, was horrified to discover the aftermath of a fox attack in her backyard chicken coop. "It was carnage," she described the scene.

The European red fox, introduced to Australia in the mid-1800s for sport, has become a significant threat to both wildlife and domestic animals. These adaptable creatures have thrived in suburban environments, particularly near creeks and forests.

Councillor Steven Toomey, representing Brisbane's west, expresses concern for the impact of foxes on local wildlife. He highlights the issue's severity in suburbs bordering bushland, where foxes venture from the Mount Coot-tha forest, scavenging through bins and crossing busy roads into nearby bushland.

Dr. Rachel Greenfield, the team leader of Brisbane City's biosecurity wildlife and invasive species management team, explains that foxes primarily prey on ground-dwelling birds and small mammals, potentially taking the lives of one or two creatures daily. She describes them as "lazy predators" who prioritize scavenging from rubbish bins, pet food bowls, and other animal nesting areas before resorting to hunting chickens.

Despite their laziness, foxes are highly intelligent and persistent. Dr. Greenfield emphasizes the importance of upgrading chicken coops to prevent repeated attacks, as foxes can dig and burrow to access even small spaces.

Foxes create dens with multiple entrances and exits for quick escapes. The females remain in the den to care for their young, while the males hunt for food.

While foxes generally do not pose a direct threat to children or pets, Dr. Greenfield advises caution. "This is a wild animal with teeth," she reminds the public.

Estimating fox populations is challenging, but there is evidence of increased sightings, particularly with the help of domestic CCTV cameras. This coincides with the time of year when young foxes leave their dens to establish their own territories.

Both Councillor Toomey and Dr. Greenfield urge the public to report fox sightings to facilitate trapping and removal, protecting local wildlife.

Kathleen Luck, having experienced the devastating impact of a fox attack, has upgraded her chicken coop following expert advice. A fox-proof chicken coop plan is available on the Brisbane City Council website.