One of the region's biggest biosecurity groups is gearing up to host a workshop on fox management techniques as the pests become more active in urban areas.
Leschenault Biosecurity Group project officer Julie Chapman said the group had prepared a free workshop to educate the public and address the lifecycle of a fox, fox activities and the importance of controlling the population in a bid to tackle the issue.
"There have been reports of people getting foxes attacking their chickens and just seeing them become more active around urban areas," she said.
"The idea of the workshop is to educate people and assist them to manage the issues arising from the increase in foxes populating those areas.
"As Bunbury is expanding and places like Dalyellup are being developed further into agricultural country, we're seeing a lot more activity closer to people's homes.
"It can be a really big problem.
"A lot of people are finding that foxes are coming in close to their properties and disturbing their own pets.
"It's about making sure people have the tools to protect their own pets and their own families."
Mrs Chapman said controlling the population was important, not just for people's personal interests, but for the environmental aspects as well.
Mrs Chapman said it was also important for those dealing with foxes to understand the legalities around their ability to mitigate the issue, which varies depending on the land type on which the property is situated.
The workshop is due to be held at the Gelorup Community Centre on Thursday, February 27 at 6pm.
If the workshop is well-received and there is demand for further workshops, the group will consider hosting them at other locations throughout the South West.
The group, was established in 2014, is made up of members representing the Shires of Dardanup, Donnybrook, Capel and the City of Bunbury.
To register, contact Julie Chapman on info@leschenaultbiosecuritygroup.org
