COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, February 09, 2015

MOTION NO.5

MOTION: Councillor J. Lahart

That this Council undertakes a report in conjunction with the National Parks and Wildlife Services concerning the escalation in urban fox numbers in residential areas of this county and presents a detailed report to this Council

REPORT:

Approaches have been made to the National Parks and Wildlife Service and mammal researchers in University College Dublin regarding information on the status of urban fox populations in South Dublin and in Dublin as a county. The indications are that while there has been no comprehensive survey of foxes in the urban area of this Council or the other Dublin Co. Councils, fox populations would not be considered to be in excess of those experienced in other urban centres.

The undertaking of a survey to determine the true extent of the fox population in South Dublin County would be a considerable task, as it would involve extensive ground survey work to determine locations of dens and the extent of fox territories. Undertaking radio tracking of individual foxes is seen as an effective but a very costly means by which to gain a true estimate of territories and family groups.

The engagement of urban foxes with human residents can be either a positive or a negative experience for both residents and foxes. This engagement is often actively encouraged by residents who entice foxes into their gardens in order to observe an element of wildlife they would not normally be in a position to observe in the urban setting. Unfortunately this engagement can sometimes lead to distress for neighbouring residents who would not view this species in the same light and who may feel a degree of fear or apprehension when they either see or hear foxes at night.

Foxes are top predators, feeding on a wide variety of prey species including rats and mice. They therefore have an active role in the control of these vermin species in the urban setting. However, they will also scavenge on discarded food items and will be drawn away from their natural prey to food specifically left out for them by residents who wish to engage with them in their gardens.

The types of discarded food items on which they scavenge can frequently cause health problems for individual foxes, resulting in the occurrence of mange and other intestinal problems for some. Issues of animal welfare relating to foxes should be referred to the DSPCA.

As top predators, fox numbers are limited by the availability of their prey species. Population size is therefore naturally managed. The intervention of residents by actively feeding foxes, often with inappropriate food items, interferes with this natural balance. Advice from animal experts is that foxes in the urban environment are best left to feed on their natural prey (rats, mice, rabbits etc), thereby assisting in the natural control of these vermin species.

Residents are also advised to remember that although foxes live in the urban environment, they are still wild animals and as such, they generally tend to avoid contact with humans. Residents are reminded that there are risks associated with interfering with this natural order and that foxes rarely, if ever, become tame enough to be docile pets. However, fears of some residents may be eased by knowing that the number of incidents involving problematic/aggressive interaction between foxes and humans is far less than that recorded between humans and domestic or feral dogs and cats.