Foxes are here to stay
MR BURLING (letters, last week) gives a graphic account of the problems created when foxes move into town.
Unfortunately, there is no simple solution to these problems.
Attempts to reduce the size of the fox population by culling are unlikely to have any effect, because the fox has a remarkable ability to increase its birth rate if its population is reduced to less than an area can support.
Farmers and gamekeepers have been trying to eliminate foxes from their land for centuries, without success; and their methods of shooting, snaring and poisoning are hardly applicable to a town environment, where there are pets as well as foxes around.
Removing foxes from Worthing to the countryside is no more practicable a solution.
Quite apart from the problem of trapping any significant proportion of the foxes, the method is not humane and will only produce a very short-term reduction in numbers.
The animals that are removed are likely to die; if they are taken to an area suitable for foxes, it is likely to be already inhabited by foxes, which will drive the newcomers away; if they are taken to an area without foxes, it is likely to provide too little food for foxes to survive.
Meanwhile, back in Worthing, other foxes will be moving into the vacant territory, within weeks if not days of the operation.
Foxes cannot, therefore, be made to disappear from Worthing.
The only realistic approach to the fox problem is to adapt our lifestyle to their existence.
Foxes can be deterred by some chemical and mechanical repellents if they are a nuisance in gardens.
The Fox Project has tested the available methods and gives advice on this subject, from its website and a recorded advice line (01892 826222).
Anyone keeping animals that are among a fox's natural prey should ensure that they are living in fox-proof accommodation – chicken wire will not protect against foxes – and consider keeping them in a building, at least at night.
Foxes can be discouraged from entering specific areas and rabbits or guinea pigs can be protected from their attacks.
But they cannot be driven from the face of the earth, or even the streets and gardens of Worthing.
David Sawers
Seaview Avenue
East Preston
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Weather for Worthing
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 11 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 19 C
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