Foxes

Foxes are a serious pest animal that can cause damage to the environment, wildlife, and domestic animals. They can also carry diseases and parasites that can affect humans and pets. Therefore, it is important to control their population and prevent their spread. 

Council has limited capacity to control foxes in Monash but we do conduct humane trapping in some fenced conservation reserves to reduce their numbers and breeding. However, we cannot provide fox control services for private properties, as this is the responsibility of the landowners under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. 

It can be difficult to know how to manage a fox issue or sighting and residents are encouraged to contact our Local Laws Team for assistance: 

Foxes on Council managed land 

Where foxes are found on Council managed land our team will investigate and where appropriate engage a fox control contractor to target these specific reserves or parks. 

To report a fox issue on Council managed land, contact 9518 3555. 

Foxes on state government managed land 

Where foxes are found on state government managed land the relevant state government department should be contacted.  

Residents can contact 9518 3555 for assistance to do this.   

Foxes on private property 

Where foxes are found on private property residents are required to engage their own fox control program under the Victorian Government's Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994. 

We recommend that residents follow these steps to deter foxes from their land: 

  • Do not leave pet food or fallen fruit outside 

  • Use motion-activated lights or noise devices 

  • Use a compost bin or cover your compost heap 

  • Keep chickens and guinea pigs in secure, roofed coops 

  • Do not leave objects that foxes can use to climb over fences 

  • Restrict access to underneath the house 

FoxScan 

Residents can also record fox activity by using the resource FoxScan. This is a free resource funded by the Federal Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment. 

FoxScan can be downloaded as an app on your mobile phone and is purpose-built for the community for recording fox sightings with helpful additional resources and information.  

Helpful links 

Agriculture Victoria – integrated fox control

FoxScan 

 

 

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