About foxes

Foxes are declared agricultural pest as well as a threat to a range of native animals. Hunting by foxes is contributing to declining populations of native birds, reptiles and small mammals.

Reporting foxes

Residents are encouraged to participate in national community reporting of foxes and other feral species through the FeralScan website and smartphone apps.

Fox control

Fox control should be undertaken on private properties in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

Find out about approved fox control measures on the WA Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) website.

Using traps

Metal jawed traps are generally not permitted but soft-jawed traps or large cage traps may be used to control foxes.  Using a trap other than a cage trap will usually require a Permit to Trap Declared Pests from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.

Fox trapping trial undertaken in 2017/18

In early 2017 there was a national release of a new strain of a rabbit biocontrol virus. The spread of this disease reduces rabbit populations, which has a range of environmental benefits.  However, removing rabbits can also increase fox hunting impacts on native fauna, unless the fox population is reduced at the same time.

The Shire undertook some fox trapping on private properties, identified by landowner expressions of interest, in 2017 and 2018.

Fox traps can also catch domestic dogs. The trap itself is designed to hold without injury, however, the trapped animal can injure itself when trying to escape. Trapping on fenced private land was considered as a way of limiting the risk of trapping off-leash dogs.  

The trapping program was undertaken by a licenced contractor, using padded-jaw traps in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act 2002.

More information and contact

For more information, please contact the Shire’s Environmental Team on (08) 9290 6666 or email shire@mundaring.wa.gov.au.