The Toronto Wildlife Centre is asking for the public's help to protect the den of Toronto's baby foxes. The centre announced that a baby Toronto fox was found dead in the Woodbine Beach areas last weekend. The boardwalk has become a popular destination this month after it was discovered that the family was living underneath it. In a post on Facebook, the Toronto Wildlife Centre announced that last weekend, the deceased fox was discovered by a volunteer during an early morning shift. While it is still unclear exactly how the pup died, the centre is suspecting that it was a dog attack. "The wounds suggested a larger predator killed the poor kit, and because the body was left there, it’s likely an aggressive dog was responsible,” TWC said in a statement. TWC alleges that the presence of off-leash dogs in the area could’ve caused the babies to grow dangerously comfortable around their predator. “Many owners have been seen letting their dogs charge at the foxes, sniff them or the den they’re hiding in – and most often the dogs are off-leash. Consequently, the baby foxes have grown accustomed to the presence and scent of dogs, losing their natural fear of them,” TWC added. View this post on Instagram We need the community’s help now more than ever to protect the Woodbine Beach fox family! Tragically, last weekend a baby fox was found dead early in the morning by a TWC volunteer showing up for her pre-dawn shift. The wounds suggested the poor kit was killed by a larger predator, and because the body was left there it’s likely an aggressive dog was responsible. Many owners have been seen letting their dogs charge at the foxes, sniff them or the den they’re hiding in – and most often the dogs are off-leash. Consequently, the baby foxes have grown accustomed to the presence and scent of dogs, losing their natural fear of them, along with people. Even the friendliest, beloved dog should be supervised (on and especially off-leash) and kept away from the foxes and their den, to prevent them from becoming habituated to the domestic animals who are their major predator. Sadly, the innocent lives of the remaining babies may also be lost if dogs are not kept away. TWC’s volunteers are taking shifts every day to do what they can to protect the foxes. They’re performing aversive conditioning, which helps to re-train the foxes to fear and avoid people. Although it may look unpleasant, volunteers rushing at a fox kit, and clapping or stomping on the ground, is exactly what they should be doing to help save the foxes’ lives. We’re asking our animal-loving community to help support our volunteers who only have the foxes’ best interest in mind. We’re turning to the public to rally together and help spread the word, especially in the beaches community. If you live in the area, please lead by example and keep your dogs on leash and avoid the den site, and encourage fellow dog walkers to do the same. If it’s absolutely necessary to take a photo, do so quickly and from afar and then be on your way. But for the well-being of the foxes, it’s best to avoid the area altogether. Please speak out and spread awareness about the importance of respecting these wild animals and leaving them be. . . . . . #foxes #redfox #wildlife #nature #keepthemwild #foxesofinstagram #animals #wildanimals #canine #wild #ontario #torontowildlife A post shared by Toronto Wildlife Centre (@torontowildlifecentre) on May 22, 2020 at 5:07am PDT Now, TWC is asking the public’s help protect a den of foxes. They are asking residents in the area to keep their dogs on leashes and to avoid the area which the animals have now called home. According to TWC, volunteers are taking shifts every day to perform “aversive conditioning” around the pups. View this post on Instagram There have been numerous sightings of red fox families in Toronto, most notably the ones living under the boardwalk in The Beaches. Foxes have adapted well to surviving in urban environments, and some have no choice but to make their dens in areas frequented by people. Although they’re a wonder to watch, especially to see fox kits playing, keeping your distance from them is crucial. Individuals have been spotted hand-feeding the babies and gathering too closely when taking photos, which puts the kits at risk of becoming habituated to humans and stresses the fox parents who are unable to reach and bring food to their young through the crowd of people. Feeding the babies, although well-intentioned, is a HUGE danger for them and will negatively affect their development into normal adults. These foxes can thrive living in the city, but only if they’re left alone. In an effort to enforce social distancing and protect the fox family, The City of Toronto had set up barricades and warning signs around the den. However, they have since been removed and people continue to gather and feed the babies. We are currently working with the city to get new barricades back around the den, but the public needs to know to leave this family be. Please spread the word! In concern for the well-being of this fox family, please keep your distance. If you see groups of people (which is also dangerous due to COVID-19) around the foxes, or anyone feeding them, please report it to 311 @cityofto. . . . . #respectwildlife #respectsocialdistancing #TorontoBeaches #redfoxes #babyfoxes #foxfamily #wildlifesafety #leavewildlifebe #dontfeedwildlife #torontowildlifecentre #cityoftoronto A post shared by Toronto Wildlife Centre (@torontowildlifecentre) on May 4, 2020 at 11:24am PDT The effort is being made to re-train the foxes to fear and avoid people. “Although it may look unpleasant, volunteers rushing at a fox kit, and clapping or stomping on the ground, is exactly what they should be doing to help save the foxes’ lives,” the non-profit added. A batch of fencing was erected earlier this month to keep the foxes safe and undisturbed by humans. The City of Toronto also released a statement last month asking residence to stop gathering around the critters to take photos.
