Ban on feeding urban foxes unrealistic, say city officials

The city of Charlottetown said it has not been successful in its efforts to get the province to put in a province-wide ban on feeding foxes.

The city worries too many people are feeding foxes and that it’s dangerous for local pets as well as being bad for the foxes.

In March the UPEI team researching urban foxes reported 42 fox dens in Charlottetown, a number they say is growing.

A few months ago the city said it would talk with the province about creating legislation on the issue.

On Monday city officials met with the province.

But the city said the idea was nixed because it would be impossible to enforce such legislation.

Coun. David MacDonald chairs the protective and emergency services committee.

“It's not a fox issue —it's a people issue,” he said.

He said they will be meeting next week with UPEI and with provincial officials to discuss the matter further.

He said they are also considering holding  information sessions in parks.

“We're  going to explain to the residents what they're doing is not in the best interest of foxes or the city or themselves.”