Fox Baiting Program

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Autumn 2025 Fox Baiting Program

Please be advised that the regional fox baiting program will be undertaken at local reserves in the Sydney North Region. The aim of the project is to protect native wildlife including threatened species from fox predation.

1080 poison baits will be laid in the following Reserves:

  • Ted Horwood Reserve
  • Eric Mobbs Reserve

Foxshield® poison baits (containing 1080) will be present at the reserves from Monday, 28 April 2025 – Friday, 13 June 2025.
Cats & Dogs (including on leash) MUST NOT enter baited reserves during the above dates.
Dogs on leads can return to the reserves on Saturday, 14 June 2025.

The fox control program will involve the use of “Foxshield® Econobait” poison baits that are designed specifically for fox control.

Poison baits contain 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate). Baits will be buried to reduce the risk of non-target poisoning.

Warning signs will be displayed to notify the public about the program. It is vital that pet owners take extra precautions to ensure that their pets do not enter these reserves during the dates stated. Penalties up to $1,100 apply under the Local Government Act (1993) Sect 632 (2) (d).

For further information, contact Council on 9843 0555

About The Hills Shire Council's Fox Baiting Program

Fox baiting programs are often held in the local area. The aim of the program is to protect native wildlife including threatened species from fox predation.

Why do we have a Fox Baiting Program?

Predation by the European Red Fox is a major threat to the survival of native fauna including endangered and threatened species.

Foxes are listed as a key threatening process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1979.

One fox can eat up to 100 native animals a year. They will harass or kill domestic pets such as chickens, guinea pigs and rabbits.

Foxes can also spread diseases, such as mange, to our pet dogs.

What is council doing about the fox problem in The Hills Shire?

Since 2002 Council has been carrying out a successful fox eradication program.

Since the program has started local residents and bush carers have reported:

  • a decrease in fox sightings and
  • an increase in native fauna sightings

For further information please contact The Hills Shire Council on 02 9843 0555 or Greater Sydney Local Land Services on 1300 795 299.

Protecting Native Animals & Pets

The baiting program is designed to reduce the risk of bait consumption by native animals and pets.

The baits are buried greater than 10cm underground.

Studies show that most native animals are not interested in or capable of eating buried bait.

Cats are highly unlikely to dig up the baits.

Dogs are prohibited from the reserve during the baiting program (signage along reserve boundaries will inform you when).

Before baiting a non-poison period (or "free feed") is undertaken. This indicates if any animals are visiting the site and, if so, baiting will be stopped at these bait stations.

What can you do about the Fox problem in The Hills Shire?

  • Never feed foxes or leave out food scraps. Foxes love eating pet food - it's an easy meal! So make sure pet food is not left out for extended periods of time.
  • Educate your family and friends about the impacts of foxes.
  • Keep your pets out of bushland reserves, it keeps them safe and protects our native fauna.

 

Foxscan

The Foxscan website and mobile phone app provides the State Government with real time data on feral animal locations and trends.

This information assists Government and land owners to provide resources to priority areas.

Foxscan is available here.

 

Report Fox Sightings to Council

If you see a fox or fox activity you can report this to Council on 02 9843 0555 or by completing the form below.

Click here to view form.

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