Foxes

Foxes kill around half a billion Australian reptiles, birds and mammals each year.

The European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was introduced to Australia in 1855 and is now one of the country's most damaging invasive predators. Foxes have contributed to the decline and extinction of many native species, threaten numerous nationally listed species, and cause significant impacts to agriculture.

Under Queensland's Biosecurity Act 2014, foxes are classified as restricted matter, categories 3, 4, 5 and 6, which means you must not be move, keep, feed, possess or distribute them.

How to spot a fox

• Small dog-like mammal with a pointed muzzle, reddish fur, large ears and a long bushy tail
• Adults weigh 5 to 14 kilograms and stand about 40 centimetres tall
• They are clever, fast and active mostly at night
• Dens are built in banks or embankments identified by a burrow entrance, prey remains and nearby scats

Habitat and behaviours

• Found in urban, rural, coastal, bush, rainforest and desert areas
• Eat a wide range of foods, including small mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, fruit and human food waste
• They often scavenge and bury food to eat later
• Shelter in dense vegetation, hollow logs, under buildings and other urban structures
• Are highly agile and can climb fences
• Breed between June and July with cubs born in August-September
• Cubs become independent at 6 to 9 months old

Impact of foxes

• Kill wildlife – a key threat to 95 nationally threatened native species
• Kill domestic livestock including poultry, newborn lambs and goat kids, as well as rabbits and hares
• Transmit diseases to domestic dogs, livestock and native animals including hydatids, distemper, and canine parvovirus
• Spread weeds through their scats after eating fruits, berries and seeds of introduced species

How you can manage foxes

Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, all landowners are obligated to manage foxes on their land.

Chicken coops attract foxes – you can protect your flock by keeping poultry in a predator-proof enclosure, especially at night. Find out more at Bird and poultry requirements and permits.

On larger properties, consider fencing a smaller area to protect livestock and pets.

If you suspect fox activity, look for signs such as scats, footprints, dens, animal trails, feathers, fur or animal carcasses. Remote-sensing cameras can help confirm their presence.

Reduce fox habitat by removing dense weeds, overgrown vegetation and rubbish piles where foxes may shelter.

Dispose of food scraps and uneaten pet food, collect fallen fruit, keep compost covered and do not feed wildlife or foxes.

Traps must comply with animal welfare requirements and be checked regularly. Cage traps are the preferred option in most areas because they reduce the risk of injury and minimise impacts on non-target animals. Captured foxes must be humanely euthanised as soon as possible, which may require the services of a licensed contractor.

Soft-catch foothold traps may be used in some situations, but they should only be operated by experienced land managers and are generally unsuitable in urban areas due to the risk of capturing native wildlife and domestic pets.

How to report foxes

If you see a fox, let your neighbours know and work together to monitor and manage fox activity. A coordinated, neighbourhood approach is often most effective, as foxes can travel long distances and regularly move across property boundaries. Sharing costs may also make it easier to engage a licensed pest animal control contractor.

Record fox sightings online: Report a Problem – Animals or on the free Feral Scan mobile app.