Victoria Boosts Fox Bounty Program
Victoria has extended its Fox Bounty Program, offering renewed incentives to reduce one of Australia’s most destructive invasive predators.
The Victorian Government confirmed the program will continue until 30 June 2027. Furthermore, the payment has increased to $14 per eligible fox scalp submitted through approved collection centres. The extension forms part of the 2026–27 State Budget.
While the bounty operates statewide, foxes remain an ongoing issue across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, including Knox.
Foxes Continue Threatening Wildlife
European red foxes prey on native mammals, reptiles and ground-nesting birds. They also attack livestock, particularly young lambs, creating significant economic losses across Victoria.
Consequently, the Fox Bounty aims to encourage continued pest control while supporting broader management programs.
Eligible Victorian residents and landholders can submit approved fox scalps at one of 21 collection centres. Payments are now made electronically after successful applications.
Knox Residents Asked to Report Sightings
Although Knox is largely suburban, foxes remain well established throughout the municipality.
Knox City Council encourages residents to report fox sightings through FoxScan, a community mapping system used to identify fox activity and help guide future control programs.
Reports from residents allow council officers to better understand where foxes are active before planning future management programs. Foxes regularly inhabit parklands, creek corridors, bush reserves and residential neighbourhoods throughout Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
Residents should never attempt to relocate or feed foxes. Instead, authorities recommend securing food sources, protecting poultry and reporting sightings through official channels.
Part of a Broader Pest Strategy
Agriculture Victoria says the bounty complements existing fox management rather than replacing other control measures.
Authorities continue encouraging coordinated pest management involving landholders, councils and public agencies.
Meanwhile, hunting organisations have welcomed the funding extension, arguing recreational hunters provide thousands of hours of voluntary pest control across Victoria each year.
However, some pest management experts argue bounty programs alone cannot deliver lasting statewide population reductions. They say coordinated, targeted control remains essential because foxes reproduce quickly and rapidly recolonise untreated areas.
Community Still Plays A Vital Role
Authorities say community participation remains critical regardless of whether residents participate in the bounty.
Every reported sighting helps build a clearer picture of fox activity across Knox and surrounding municipalities.
As foxes continue expanding into urban environments, early reporting and coordinated control remain important tools for protecting Victoria’s native wildlife and reducing impacts on local ecosystems.
