Foxes in Frankston City

Foxes are an issue throughout Australia, particularly in urban areas such as Melbourne and Frankston city.

While foxes are nocturnal, they can be spotted early in the morning as they return from a night of foraging. They are omnivorous predators and commonly scavenge from bins, eat fruit and insects and prey upon native wildlife and small domestic animals..

Foxes are timid and tend to avoid people and non-prey animals however, they are quite stealthy and can live in close proximity to people without us even knowing. Generally, you will find more foxes in urban areas than bushland due to the availability of food scraps and shelter.

Fox control programs

We routinely carry out fox control programs in strategic locations across the city. The programs aim to reduce pressure on native wildlife and minimise the likelihood of local extinction of some of our unique and threatened animals. It is not possible to undertake programs everywhere a fox is observed.

The program targets our highest conservation value reserves where any fox living or foraging within the surrounding area may be caught as they travel long distances overnight. Sites are selected based on evidence of fox presence, impacts on native wildlife and ability to control public access.

Regular fox control programs are carried out in the below reserves:

Paratea Flora and Fauna Reserve
Bunarong Park
Studio Park
Seaford Wetlands
Stringybark Reserve
Flame Robin Reserve

The reserves are closed to the public during the program. Signage is placed at all entrances and adjoining residents are notified prior to the commencement of the program and reserve closure. Frankston Council apologises for any inconvenience caused by the reserve closure.

Soft-jaw leg-hold traps are used to catch the fox, which is then humanely euthanised on the spot. This method is approved under permit by the Minister of Agriculture. Baiting and shooting are not used.

Frankston City’s fox control programs operate under permit from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and in compliance with the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (Vic).

How can you help?

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent foxes on your property:

lock up chickens, pet rabbits, guinea pigs and other small pets in a secure enclosure overnight
ensure bins are secure with closed lids
do not leave pet food outside
remove any fruit in your garden that has dropped from fruit trees
cover your compost heap or use a compost bin
ensure your property is well maintained by keeping grass and weeds low
keeps sheds closed and block access to underneath your property to prevent foxes taking refuge.
avoid feed foxing foxes or wildlife as this may encourage them to come back to your property
do not poison foxes or set traps without a permit (most traps are prohibited by law).

Foxes are declared as an Established Pest Animal in Victoria under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (Vic). Under this act, landowners are responsible for the control of foxes on private property. If you have an active fox den on your property, please contact a local pest control company.

Visit Agriculture Victoria for more information.