Council participates in fox control operations in cooperation with various state and Federal Government agencies (especially NPWS, LPMA and Defence Department) and local landowners. Council regularly receives grant funds to assist in these joint programs. The programs are designed to protect the endangered species that live in and visit the Shoalhaven, as well as to reduce the impact of fox damage in agricultural industries. 

Fox Baiting Actiivities

Fox baiting using 1080 baits will be undertaken by Council staff, landowners and volunteers during the period March 8^th to April 4^th at the sites identified below.

All landowners with a baiting site located within 1 km of their property boundary have been notified by mail.  All use of the baits complies with the 1080 Pesticide Control Order. Individual sites are signposted with the Warning 1080 Poison signs. At the end the baiting period, all baits will be removed from the site and destroyed.

Fox baiting is part of an integrated program involving Shoalhaven City Council, National Parks and Wildlife Service, landcare groups and landowners. The program is part of a wider program, including trapping and shooting, and is designed to reduce the threat from foxes to endangered species in the Shoalhaven. It has been deployed in these areas over a number of years, and has contributed to the improved survival chances for local populations of endangered species. Additional significant benefits accrue to farmers, landowners with small livestock and the significant populations of Australian mammals, lizards, turtles and birds in this area.

The baiting program has been designed to minimise the risk to non-target species (both domestic and native). Council is seeking your cooperation to protect your and your neighbour’s domestic pets during the baiting period.  All dog owners need to be aware that 1080 poisoning is lethal to dogs in most instances. If you suspect that your pet has consumed a 1080 bait, contact a veterinary surgeon immediately. During the baiting period, you should take additional care of your dogs or dogs visiting your property, and ensure that they are under effective control at all times. 

Report fox activity

Report fox activity through the Pest Reporting website. Zoom in to the locality, drag the fox sighting template to the exact site and click to add a point. Choose the date from the calendar and record the nature of the activity in as much detail as possible. Sightings close to endangered species sites will be followed up, but all information makes the fox control activity more effective. You can also email Council at feralpests@shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au.

Fox control techniques used by Council

• Baiting using 1080 poison baits, regular shooting programs, generally as follow up programs after baiting, during threatened species breeding periods.  View the map of Council supported fox baiting sites during September to December 2010 (PDF 676 kb)
• Trapping during breeding seasons and and in urban areas adjoining biodiversity sites.  Volunteers can be trained and assisted in key localities to trap foxes on their own land.  Email Council if you wish to become active in trapping foxes in your local area. 
• Fox den location and destruction.  During September, Council will participate in a city-wide operation to identify and fumigate active fox dens at all shorebird nesting sites and at the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby sites in Kangaroo Valley and Illaroo. If successful, this program may be continued throughout the year. 
• Council uses its database systems to inform adjoining landowners of 1080 baiting activity as part of its commitment to the cooperative fox control programs.

Foxes are not a declared pest, and hence no landowner has any legal responsibility for controlling foxes on their land.

Email Council to report fox issues. 
Reports close to endangered species sites are especially valuable and will be followed up during key time periods.
A map based system to report the presence of foxes will be available soon.