Priority invasive animals - European fox

Foxes are highly adaptable predators that cause significant harm to native wildlife, poultry and small livestock. They also spread disease and impact biodiversity across the Sunshine Coast.

Why foxes are a problem

Prey on native species, including ground-nesting birds and small mammals.
Kill poultry and small livestock, causing economic losses.
Spread diseases such as hydatids and parvovirus.
Contribute to the decline of threatened species.

Services available

Sunshine Coast Council offers practical support for managing foxes.

Read the information in 'How you can help', to see if your property meets criteria for fox management program.
Onsite property assessments and advice on protecting poultry.
Provision of monitoring and trapping equipment (including set-up instruction).

Council programs protecting against foxes

Coastal fox control program – targeted management in sensitive coastal areas.

Mary River turtle protection program – reducing impacts on sensitive habitats in the Mary River catchment.

How you can help

1. Check your property

Check whether your property is larger than 7,000m² or borders natural bushland. If it does not meet either of these conditions, it does not meet Council's risk criteria for fox management.

2. Educate

Learn more about foxes and what fox management involves.

3. Secure your poultry enclosure

If you are experiencing issues with foxes and poultry, learn how to fox-proof your poultry pen.

Myth: Foxes are only active at night.

Reality: Foxes are not nocturnal. Foxes are opportunistic hunters and will hunt during the day too. Removing one fox will not prevent future attacks. If your enclosure is not fox-proof and poultry are allowed to free-range, attacks will continue regardless of trapping efforts. This may also affect whether fox management assistance can proceed.

4. Confirm fox activity

Make sure the fox is regularly entering your property. Foxes usually visit because they’ve learned they get something from it (e.g. poultry). Once this becomes inaccessible, foxes will move elsewhere.

5. Trap monitoring commitment

Confirm that you are willing to check any loaned traps daily, as required by your Invasive Animal Area Officer.

6. Understand legal requirements

Foxes are a restricted species and will be euthanised if captured. It is illegal to move or relocate captured foxes.

7. Choose a safe trap location

Select a spot inside your property boundary where the fox is seen regularly. The location must be away from children and pets, including cats and poultry. If there is no safe location, traps cannot be installed due to safety risks.

8. Set up a pre-feeding station

Place a small amount of food (e.g., chicken necks, fish, leftover BBQ chicken bones, lightly buried eggs, or sardines) at the chosen spot. This helps attract the fox to this spot and increases trapping success later.

9. Be a responsible pet owner

Keep your pets safe and on your property and away from control areas. Responsible dog ownership and Responsible cat ownership - Your pet your responsibility.