Call for public information as City of Albany prepares to target fox dens and rabbit warrens

Albany residents are being asked to report the location of any fox dens and rabbit warrens to the local council ahead of targeted action to reduce pest numbers.

Increased reports of foxes on Mt Melville as well as rabbits in King River, Kalgan, Emu Point, Pines Estate and Robinson have prompted the City of Albany to take action.

Next month, qualified pest animal controllers will fumigate identified dens and warrens.

No poison baits will be used by City staff.

City reserves manager Jacqui Freeman said the City had used a range of management actions aimed at controlling rabbit numbers in the past four years.

“This is inclusive of releasing the calicivirus, trapping and fumigating warrens at a number of hot spots in the municipality,” she said.

“There are also various catchment groups that the City has been supporting in their important conservation work, including the management of feral animals.”

Cage traps will be used to target foxes on Mt Melville and warning signs will be installed to remind dog-owners to keep their pets on a leash at all times.

“Multiple recent reports in relation to a wandering fox in Mt Melville having entered a number of private properties has prompted the City to take immediate action,” Ms Freeman said.

Fox dens have also been reported near the Hanrahan Waste Site where soft-foot traps, which are designed not to harm the animals they catch, will be deployed.

“Warning signs will be installed at the main entrances to the reserve at Mt Melville, as well as in the vicinity of any traps that are set,” Ms Freeman said.

“Bunting will be used to close off sections of tracks where the soft-foot traps will be used.”

The soft-foot traps will only be set overnight and any animals caught in the traps that are not being targeted will be released.

To report dens or warrens, contact the City’s reserves team on 6820 3960 or reserves@albany.wa.gov.au.

Reports can also be made online via the City’s website.