Initiative to stop fox feeding could get more 'forceful'

Foxes will be the topic of a new education campaign to be rolled out by the City of Charlottetown, with a warning that bylaws to control fox populations could follow if education doesn't work.

Councilors say they have been receiving many complaints about foxes in residential areas. A UPEI study in 2013 identified 42 active fox dens in the city.

• Urban foxes here to stay, UPEI study concludes

• Foxy facts: 8 things to know about P.E.I. foxes

The environment and sustainability committee is in discussions on how to stop people from feeding the foxes. Committee chair Coun. Mike Duffy said that fish and wildlife staff say feeding the animals is why they stick around.

One suggestion is to send out educational materials with the water bills. Duffy said if the problem persists council may have to take more action.

"We know where the people are, or the people that are complaining to us know where the people that are feeding the foxes, for example, are," said Duffy.

"We can make it more targeted to them and more, I don't know, forceful."

City staff and fish and wildlife representatives will continue to work together to come up with a plan, a plan may that could include drafting a future bylaw to prohibit the intentional feeding of foxes.

• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |Some Syrian newcomers having difficulty finding employment on P.E.I.
• MORE P.E.I. NEWS |Gift suggestions for P.E.I. bookworms