Share: 

Rehoboth fox trapped, killed

October 13, 2017

The fate of a fox in Rehoboth Beach has drawn debate among Rehoboth Beach residents.

Local social media posts recently noted the appearance of foxes on the beach, including posts that foxes were being trapped in cages and shot.

Lt. John McDerby of Delaware Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Division said in response to reports, the matter was investigated. No violations were determined to have taken place, he said. McDerby said the foxes were legally trapped by a permitted nuisance-control company on private property.

McDerby said private pest control companies are allowed, with a permit, to remove a nuisance animal like a fox or raccoon from private property outside of trapping season, which runs from Friday, Dec. 1, to Friday, March 10.

He said it is not unusual for an animal such as a fox to be killed in a cage because a fox can look totally healthy and still carry rabies. McDerby said once trapped, the animal cannot be released into another environment if it is rabid. 

Subscribe to the CapeGazette.com Daily Newsletter