Rehoboth fox trapped, killed
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.
Ryan Mavity covers Milton and the court system. He is married to Rachel Swick Mavity and has two kids, Alex and Jane. Ryan started with the Cape Gazette all the way back in February 2007, previously covering the City of Rehoboth Beach. A native of Easton, Md. and graduate of Towson University, Ryan enjoys watching the Baltimore Ravens, Washington Capitals and Baltimore Orioles in his spare time.
