The government of Northwest Territories is reminding Yellowknife residents that feeding foxes, coyotes and other wildlife is against the law.
The department of Environment and Natural Resources – North Slave Region has received a number of reports this winter about people feeding foxes.
There have also been reports of foxes lingering around schools and approaching children.
photo courtesy of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources
Animals that grow accustomed to human food can lose their fear of people, the department stated in a Facebook post on Dec. 20.
In subsequent post, the department warns that wildlife that become used to humans and human food may have to be relocated or put down.
If approached by a fox, the department advises parents and children to clap their hands, stomp their feet and raise their voices to scare the animal away.
“Calmly and slowly back away,” states the Facebook post. “Do not run.”
Yellowknife residents can report people seen feeding wild animals to the North Slave Regional office by calling (867) 767-9238.
In the event of a wildlife emergency over the holidays or after hours, calls can be made to (867) 873-7181.