A fox whose behaviour is labelled “unusual” in Prince Edward Island National Park is getting back up from Parks Canada. Signs and enforcement patrols were launched when Parks Canada staff were informed of the fox’s behaviour in early August.
“It's nothing new for people to see foxes around but this one was just acting a little bit strange," Parks Canada ecologist Paul Giroux told the CBC. "We thought we'd just be proactive and avoid any kind of aggressive behaviour that could be escalating."
The concerns with the behaviour of the fox are that it could lead to injury to him (crossing roads, parking lots, etc., in search of human-sources of food) or that he could bite a park visitor who gets too close in an attempt to feed or photograph him.
By putting up signs specifically about this fox, as well as generally feeding, and adding enforcement patrols that will fine feeders at heavily visited areas, Parks Canada is giving this fox a chance to return to typical behaviour – and a hopefully long, healthy life.