Foxes under attack

 

Council is undertaking surveillance and “targeted fox control” from now until February 2023 in the following locations:

# Rumbalara Reserve (Gosford-Springfield)

# Katandra Reserve (Holgate)

# Ferntree Close Reserve (Mt Elliot-Wyoming-Lisarow)

# Barwon Road Reserve (Wyoming)

# Kincumba Mountain Regional Reserve (Kincumber-Green Point)

# The Scenic Road Bushland Reserve (Kincumber)

# Saratoga Conservation Area (Saratoga)

# The Entrance North including Karagi Point, Magenta and Soldiers Beach (Norah Head) on select Council managed land only.

What is “targeted fox control”?

According to the Council website it doesn’t involve the poison 1080 this year while a review is being undertaken.

But since 2016, Council’s fox control program of its natural reserves also included trapping, shooting and den fumigation among its options.

Authorised access points to the areas will be secured or signposted to stop public access while operations are in progress.

“For your safety the community is advised to not enter any area or allow pets to enter when the warning signs are in place,” the council website says.

“Dogs are prohibited in these reserves and if found enforcement action may ensue.”

Meanwhile the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is using 1080 this week while it conducts an aerial baiting program in Brisbane Water and Popran National Parks.

The poison 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) is used for the control of wild dogs and foxes and is lethal to cats and dogs.

The operation was due to start on Saturday, October 8 and continue until Friday, October 14.

The program is designed to minimise predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to minimise impact of all dogs on neighbouring stock.

“Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting location,” the NPWS said.

“Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands.

“Pets and working dogs may be affected as 1080 is lethal to cats and dogs.”