News release

Take Steps to Discourage Nuisance Foxes

Natural Resources (to July 2018)

A large fox population in industrial Cape Breton is prompting officials to remind Nova Scotians of steps they should take to discourage animals from scavenging near homes.

Department of Natural Resources offices, particularly in Cape Breton County, have received a record number of calls about foxes from concerned citizens.

"It's not unusual for red foxes to inhabit urban areas," said Terry Power, Natural Resources wildlife biologist. "Red foxes prefer wild foods, but when hungry, will scavenge for food wherever they can find it. This includes outdoor garbage, compost, pet foods, waste food around retail or commercial businesses and handouts from concerned or curious people."

Each spring, female foxes produce litters of young, which increases demand to find food. Hungry foxes are more likely to approach people or pets in search of food, but should not be considered a threat to human safety.

To discourage nuisance foxes citizens should:

  • keep property free of unsecured garbage, especially if it contains food waste;
  • clean up spilled bird seed around bird feeders;
  • do not feed pets outdoors;
  • keep compost bins secured from access by foxes or other wildlife;
  • keep small pets indoors or on a leash; and
  • refrain from intentionally or unintentionally feeding foxes.

"Education is most important," said Mr. Power. "We must encourage our children and neighbours to follow these guidelines and keep in mind, foxes are wild animals and deserve our respect."

In Nova Scotia, the red fox is protected under the Wildlife Act and may not be trapped or killed except during the legal trapping or hunting seasons. Removing foxes from an area may not be a practical solution as other foxes will move into the vacant habitat. Local Department of Natural Resources offices should be contacted where nuisance wildlife are creating a concern for human safety, destruction of property, or a diseased or injured animal is found.