Fox Baiting Program
IMPORTANT PUBLIC NOTICE
Regional Fox Baiting Program
Please be advised that a fox baiting program will soon commence in the local area in conjunction with Greater Sydney Local Land Services. The aim of the program is to protect native wildlife including threatened species from fox predation.
1080 poison baits have been laid in the following Reserves that are managed by the Hills Shire Council:
- Excelsior Reserve, North Rocks
- Ted Horwood Reserve, Baulkham Hills
- Erics Mobbs Reserve, Castle Hill
Foxoff® poison baits (containing 1080) will be buried in the above listed Reserves between Monday 9 October - Friday 27 October 2023.
Foxoff® is designed specifically for fox control. Trained staff will undertake the baiting. Baits will be buried 10cm under the ground to reduce the risk of non-target poisoning.
WARNING - 1080 (sodium monofluoroacetate) poison is lethal to dogs and cats.
The above listed bushland reserves will be closed to dogs (including dogs walking on a lead), during and up to 4 weeks after the fox baiting program.
Dogs on leads can return to these reserve on Saturday 25 November 2023.
In an emergency contact The Hills Shire Council on 02 9843 0555.
Signs stating “1080 FOX POISON LAID IN THIS AREA” and “Dogs (& Cats) are Prohibited” will be displayed in the relevant parks and reserves to notify the public about the program.
Please contact the following agencies for further information, or if you notice that one or more of the signs has been vandalised or is missing:
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 considered to be a major threat to the survival of native fauna. Given the threat that the fox poses to numerous endangered and vulnerable species, it has been listed as a key threatening process under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1979. One fox can eat up to 100 native animals a year, and 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 within Bidjigal/Excelsior Reserve. Since the program has started we have had reports from local residents and bush carers of a decrease in fox sightings and an increase in native fauna sightings.
For further information please contact The Hills Shire Council on 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 as 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 and dogs are prohibited from the reserve during the baiting program (signage along the reserve boundaries will inform you when). Prior to baiting a non-poison period (or "free feed") is undertaken to establish 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
You can now access a website and mobile phone app to provide the State Government with real time data on feral animal locations and trends. This information can then be used by Government and land owners to provide resources to target priority areas.
Foxscan is available here.
Report Fox Sightings to Council
If you see a fox or witness fox activity you can report this to Council on 9843 0555 or by completing the form below.
Click here to view form.