Fox
The European red fox (Vulpes vulpes) was introduced to Australia for recreational hunting in the mid-1800s in Victoria. Foxes are now widespread throughout mainland Australia.
European red fox is a restricted invasive animal under the Biosecurity Act. Foxes must not be distributed, moved, kept, fed or released into the environment.
Where they live
Foxes are found in nearly all areas of the Sunshine Coast, from the coastal dunes to the hinterland. They are common in areas on the rural-urban fringe.
Problems caused by foxes
Foxes pose a serious threat to native wildlife. They play a major role in the decline of many Australian marsupials.
Foxes eat unhatched turtle eggs and threaten species such as the endangered Mary River turtle as well as the green and loggerhead sea turtles. Other species threatened by foxes include the threatened long-nosed potoroo, eastern ground parrot and water mouse.
Foxes are also a threat to livestock and domestic animals, especially chickens.
Protecting against foxes
Under the Biosecurity Act all Queenslanders have a general biosecurity obligation.
To get help to protect your place from foxes or to learn about council's fox control programs, visit the managing invasive animals web page.
Further information
View or download the identifying a fox den fact sheet (PDF, 221KB), or for more information on foxes visit the Biosecurity Queensland website.