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Fox FAQ

A reply to fox mythology in the British press

Foxes need to be controlled

Foxes, like all wild members of the dog family, are controlled by their own social structure; it is not in the interest of dominant group members to allow subordinates to breed. In theory, they are also limited by availability of food, but their population rarely reaches densities high enough for this factor to kick in. The only British wild animal which has a strong impact on their numbers is the badger; fox numbers tend to sharply rise where badgers are culled. This is probably through competition for some natural resource, but the mechanics of the fox-badger relationship are not yet fully understood.

Foxes are vermin

Foxes are a native British species that is not, and has never been, classed as vermin by DEFRA. Their predation upon lambs and chickens is very low compared to the total of pre-abattoir livestock mortality, and by preying upon crop-eating rabbits and voles, they can actually financially benefit agriculture.

The ban on hunting with dogs means that foxes will be poisoned and gassed instead

Gassing and poisoning foxes is illegal, and carries the risk of a £5000 fine. The police can and will investigate allegations of these activities with a view to prosecuting those responsible. Foxes are given some protection under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 and the The Wild Mammal (Protection) Act 1996.

All photos, text and other content © Adele B. (www.thesittingfox.co.uk) 2006 - 2010. Inspired by stuff found at www.webcodingtech.com.