Red Fox Study

The red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is one of the most widely distributed mammals in Canada. It can live close to humans and it can also feed on various things like small mammals, fruits, insects, birds and table scraps. The main food source on the Bouctouche spit will probably be small rodents but the foxes also likes to eat birds and berries. One species of birds that may be predated upon by the red fox is the piping plover (Charadrius melodus), an endangered species.

In 1999, a study of the red fox was initiated as part of a Masters in Environmental Studies thesis project. The objectives of the study are to determine the population dynamics and the diet of the red fox as well as to determine the possible impact of the red fox on the piping plover and to involve the public with the management plan.

Surveys in the spring 2000 revealed two active dens in 39 dens. One den held 2 adults and 5 cubs and the other 2 adults and 2 cubs. During a first trapping session, 2 male cubs and 1 male adult were captured and in the second trapping session, one cub was caught twice, another 2 cubs and 3 adult males were caught. No females were caught, possibly because of their limited movement during the trapping sessions. Later, one of the marked cubs was found dead and was sent to the Prince Edward Island Veterinary College to determine the cause of death. Seven foxes were tagged on the dune for future tracking and evaluation.

A total of 492 feces were collected for analysis in January 2001 to determine the fox diet.
Some public involvement in the management planfor fox/plover interaction on the dune will be conducted in 2001 to explain the importance of this study. Management recommendations should then be more readily accepted.