Protect your pets: Is there an uptick in fox sightings in Halton?
Published August 5, 2020 at 5:10 pm
Does it seem like you’re seeing more foxes around Halton than normal? If so, you’re not alone.
Does it seem like you’re seeing more foxes around Halton than normal? If so, you’re not alone.
Residents in Burlington, Oakville, and Halton Hills have taken to Reddit and other social media platforms to post photos of fox sightings.
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The Town of Halton Hills will be posting signage in the coming weeks, encouraging residents to be mindful of the foxes. In a tweet, the town’s official account reminded residents to “keep pets leashed and cats indoors due to fox sightings in Georgetown S, near Elmslie St. & McKinnon Ave”.
“While foxes are likely to avoid people, be vigilant when outdoors and scare them away if approached. Local signage to be posted in coming weeks”, concluded the tweet.
Municipalities across the region are offering tips to ensure residents keep their pets and property safe.
The City of Burlington, in the wildlife section of its website, says “foxes have adapted well to city life and will continue to inhabit urban areas as long as food and shelter are plentiful and natural predators are limited”.
“A healthy fox will not generally approach humans unless it has learned that humans supply food. Clap your hands or bang cans to discourage a fox from approaching”.
Burlington officials warn that “if you see a fox growling and attempting to attack people, larger animals or inanimate objects, call the Burlington Animal Shelter”.
To deter foxes from your property (from the City of Burlington):
- Enclose areas underneath patio decks, sheds and other potential den sites.
- To prevent the foxes from burrowing under these sites, dig a trench around the base of the structure and place galvanized heavy wire screening as a prevention skirt.
- Increase use and activity in back and side yards. Foxes will be less comfortable denning in areas with high human activity.