Feral Animal Control Program

City of Bayswater (CoB) has undertaken fox and cat trapping at numerous reserves from March to April 2023. A second round of trapping for fox only occurred in June 2023. All works undertaken are in accordance with relevant codes of practices, laws, and best practice (Poisons Act 1964, Animal Welfare Act 2002, Animal Welfare Regulations 2003, Biosecurity and Agriculture Management Act 2007, Health Act, Firearms Ac.

Cat Trapping

Trapping commenced on the 27th of March and continued until all traps were removed on the 5th of April. Traps were cage traps and were set each afternoon and were checked early each morning. The number of traps set in the reserves varied over the course of the trapping period depending on the location of cat activity. Generally, about 20 cage traps were set each afternoon.

Fox Trapping

Traps were rubber-jawed foot-hold traps and once set, they remained set for the duration of the program. Traps were checked early each morning.

Reserves

1. Baigup Wetlands 2. Bardon Park 3. Berringa Park 4. Claughton Reserve 5. Eric Singleton 6. Lightning Swamp

Results

One cat was caught at Baigup Wetlands and another at Claughton Reserve.

One fox (female 5.1kg) was caught at Claughton Reserve.

One fox (male 6.3kg) was caught at Lightning Swamp Reserve.

The next round of fox trapping will occur in February 2024 as this will coincide with the peak dispersal of sub-adult foxes.

The next round of cat trapping will occur in April 2024.

Results - Fox Trapping 5-16th February 2024

One fox (female 4.4kg) was caught at Eric Singleton

One fox (male4.2kg) was caught at Lightning Swamp Reserve

Results - Cat Trapping 2-12th April 2024

One cat (male) was caught at Baigup Wetlands

One cat (male) was caught at Claughton Reserve

Results - Fox Trapping 17-24th June 2024

One fox (female 5.3kg) was caught at Berringa

One fox (female 4.1kg) was caught at Lightning Swamp

One fox (male 4.3kg) was caught at Claughton