People in North Brisbane, including Kedron and Stafford Heights said foxes are showing up in their neighbourhood, causing much concern in the wake of reported deaths of some livestock.
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Residents took to social media to talk about their sightings of foxes, with some crossing roads along Everton Hills and Kedron.
In a Reddit thread, many locals said they have seen some real stone-cold foxes in the city.
“I have to lock my ducks and chickens up at night to stop the foxes tearing the heads off tonight’s lucky winner to keep them quiet as they carry them away, giving one or two of the others a nip on the way out so they know where to find them in a couple of night’s time.” one commenter said.
A couple from Mitchelton also recalled waking up to a traumatic scene after seeing six of their chickens dead inside their locked and fenced coop. They checked everywhere but found no obvious point of entry or holes dug.
That’s when they decided to install security cameras at the pen, and discovered that a fox was lurking around the coop.
In areas where invasive species are abundant, Brisbane City Council advised containing small animals or livestock in a secure area.
A fox-proof poultry pen, according to the Council, must have a fully-enclosed chicken house with a fox-proof door, roof and floor netting roof and should have no gaps, especially around the base, door and roof.
Council has also published the recommended measurements and dimensions for building a fox-proof poultry fence which can be downloaded from their website.
Foxes in Brisbane
The population of foxes is widespread throughout Queensland, including Brisbane. Back in the 1860s, they were introduced to Australia from England as a sport animal.
However, foxes became an invasive pest species within 30 years. They are also ‘surplus feeders’ which means that despite an abundance of food, they are known for preying on small or young animals, lambs, poultry and livestock.
A 2022 study revealed foxes kill about 300 million native mammals, birds and reptiles each year, and can be found across 80 per cent of mainland Australia.
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Meanwhile, Council encourages residents to report a fox, including the presence of dens, by submitting a feral animal sightings report or calling Council on 07 3403 8888.
Residents may also take proactive steps to lessen the chances of encounters and give fewer access to foxes by constructing a fox-proof enclosure for poultry, taking away uneaten pet food and excess fallen fruit from trees, and covering and securing compost piles and bins.