Increase in foxes is all down to us humans
The recent fox attack on a baby in London has reignited the demand for a cull of urban foxes by some city dwellers.
While the incident was tragic, it was a rare occurrence. The risk posed by dogs vastly outweighs any risk posed by foxes.
The increasing number of foxes in urban areas is the result of loss of habitat, caused by humans, and plentiful food in our streets, discarded by humans. In the 1800s, fox hunts imported many thousands of foxes from Europe to increase numbers in lowland areas for hunting. Humans are to blame for the increased number of foxes in cities.
Mr R M Brooker said the public should "think twice about feeding the violent, verminous creatures" ("Foxes attack – don't feed them", Mailbox, February 16). With an estimated 33,000 urban foxes in the UK, the number of people feeding them deliberately is insignificant.
Cheap Van Insurance For 17,18 & 19 Year Old Drivers - Call Insure365 01782 898188, Free Legal Expenses Cover Included Valued at £25.00!
Terms: 1 Voucher Per Customer
Contact: 01782 898188
Valid until: Saturday, June 22 2013
As more of the countryside is lost to urbanisation and as it seems unlikely our slovenly ways of food disposal will improve, we should learn to live with foxes.
Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone.
3 Comments
by bikerdan82
Friday, February 22 2013, 3:07PM
“Eastonian, what a short sighted comment to make. Where would we be in this world if everyone thought the same as you?? I'm sure there are plenty of farmers in Africa that would love to see the demise of Lions and other big cats that attack their herds, but it doesn't mean we should hunt big cats into extinction!! The same goes for Foxes in the UK. They have been here for a long time and with any lucky (i.e. idiots hell bent on killing them off are stopped), They'll probably out live us useless humans.”
by TomCAylestone
Wednesday, February 20 2013, 10:27PM
“It's not all one sided, they help reduce the numbers of other vermin - rats mainly.”
by Eastonian
Wednesday, February 20 2013, 11:42AM
“What use is the wretched damned vermin fox? Yes, they look all cuddly and nice on cards and ready to maul infants but apart from that they serve no useful purpose whatsoever. Folk who feed them are just as culpable.”