Kitchener asking spotters to avoid approaching, feeding wild foxes

Kitchener residents are reporting a higher number of fox sightings this spring — but as long as you avoid feeding them or petting them, you should be okay.

Josh Shea, manager of Kitchener's forestry and natural resources, said they have been receiving more calls than usual this spring about fox sightings around the city.

“Sometimes their populations just go up and down in cycles and this could be one of those cycles where we see more this year than we have in other seasons. They are a very urban-adapted species so it is not uncommon to see them living in Kitchener, in our green spaces and in our parks.”

He said an increase in fox sightings is not necessarily a bad thing. It's normal to see fox populations go up and down in cycles.

“It is an important thing if we see them to give them their space and to be respectful of them as an animal. Foxes are very used to being in cities and being around people. They're not threatening. They are not aggressive. They are usually more aware and alert of people than we are of them. They often go about their business without us even knowing.”

Shea said you can admire wild foxes from afar when you see them in the city, but it is important not to try and socialise with them.

“We always remind people with wildlife not to leave food out and not to intentionally feed them. That's when we see more concerns and issues, when people are intentionally feeding them and they get used to people. Then their behaviours are unpredictable. We definitely want to remind people to enjoy them, but not to feed them or make them welcome.”

Meanwhile, in a statement to 570 NEWS, the city of Waterloo is not reporting an increase in fox sightings.

“Our environment and parks team, as well as the Humane Society, receive about one or two calls a day which is the same as this time last year. Foxes are having pups now, and are more likely visible and noticeable for that reason. They keep to themselves, and there is no need to worry. We'd like to remind residents to treat wildlife with respect: leave them alone, don't approach them and don't feed them.”

The city of Cambridge has also not seen an increase in calls from residents reporting fox sightings — only one person has called with a reported sighting this year.