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Fox carcass found in Tasmania
17 Oct 2003
A dead fox has been discovered in Tasmania's north-west, confirming fears that the pest has crossed Bass Strait. Tasmania's Environment Minister, Bryan Green, said he had viewed the carcass, which was found on a road near Burnie, and "it looks very much like it had been killed there".
Mr Green said as a result of past evidence it has always been believed that foxes were present in Tasmania, but this carcass now presents categorical proof. Post-mortem tests will establish whether the animal had been living in Tasmania for some time or whether it had arrived recently on a ship at the nearby wharf.
Although foxes are widespread on mainland Australia, Tasmania was fox-free until several years ago. Since then, fox scats and footprints have been discovered, and an animal was reportedly shot about two years ago. But many people were sceptical about its arrival in the absence of hard evidence.
An extensive baiting program is already underway.
The Australian, 17/10/03, page 3.
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