Clarington residents urged to stay away from fox family in Courtice

A fox family has made a home in Courtice, and while they’re an adorable sight, Clarington’s Animal Services Division is urging residents to give them space.

Staff have seen a significant rise in the number of people gathering to get a peek at the foxes, blocking the sidewalk and forcing children and pedestrians onto the grass and away from designated crossings. This is not only disturbing local wildlife, but is also creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians, students and Clarington crossing guards.

Clarington’s Municipal Law Enforcement Officers will be regularly patrolling the area to ensure that sidewalks and school crossings remain clear of obstructions and are safe for students and pedestrians.

The mother fox is busy raising her kits, and they will naturally move on once they are strong and ready. While it’s exciting to see wildlife up close, feeding them or trying to approach them can do more harm than good. If they become too comfortable around humans, they may struggle to survive on their own in the wild. Keep pets on a leash and remind children to stay away from the area.

For everyone’s safety and to protect the fox family, we’re urging residents to STAY AWAY from the area. Please do your part to keep our local wildlife safe and wild!

If you encounter an animal in potential distress, contact the Clarington Animal Shelter at 905-623-7651 or animalservices@clarington.net. You may also wish to contact a wildlife rehabilitation facility.