Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) has started laying fox baits in forests around the Central Goldfields, issuing a warning to pet owners to keep watch when out and about. 

The annual fox baiting program helps reduce the impact foxes have on native wildlife, livestock and the environment, FFMVic said. 

FFMVic forest and roading officer Jeffrey Wilkie said foxes are declared pests in Australia so it’s important the fox population is controlled.

“In addition to preying on livestock and native animals, foxes carry disease and increase the spread of weeds by carrying seeds in their droppings and fur,” he said.

“FFMVic has started laying baits in the Wareek State Forest, Bung Bong State Forest and Mount Hooghly State Forest.

“The 1080 poison, shelf-stable baits will be buried in bait stations according to Victorian Directions for Use of 1080 products and manuacturer’s guidelines to reduce the risk of non-target species taking them.

“As baits could pose a risk to domestic animals, we encourage people to take precautionary measures with their pets if they are planning to walk them in or near an area that is part of a baiting program.

“This includes keeping them on a leash or fitting a muzzle before entering the area and confining pets to properties during this period.”

Signs will be in place highlighting the fox control program is underway and letters have been sent to adjoining landowners.

The program will run for two months, with fox baits removed around the end of June.