Fox trapping is commonplace and legal in Unalaska, but recently it’s been causing a bit of a stir. 

In the last month State Wildlife Troopers have responded to three separate incidences of foxes dragging traps through the Valley.  Trooper Jason Ball says it’s probably the result of someone improperly staking their traps.

“I would suspect that it’s someone fairly new to it, someone inexperienced.”

The most recent incident was on December 29, up at Ski Bowl.

“We had one yesterday that had a foothold on his back foot.  I think his foot was probably broken, but he was released and seemed to be doing alright.  They’re pretty resilient.”

The other two foxes were more seriously injured and were put down.  Ball says several residents have contacted Troopers, very upset about the situation.

“And I know some people are thinking about going to the Council, the City Council about that.”

Mayor Shirley Marquardt says she has heard from concerned citizens and is planning to open up the issue for discussion during a work session in the new year. 

Ball says as far as the Troopers are concerned, there’s no problem with people trapping, so long as they do it responsibly.

He says that means checking traps regularly and making sure they’re properly staked. 

Ball also emphasized that people shouldn’t feed the foxes because it brings them into town.  He says feeding the foxes is illegal and Troopers will be issuing citations to anyone caught doing it.

“Having the fox be so habituated to people isn’t necessarily good for them.”

Ball encouraged anyone who wants to know more about responsible trapping to contact the Troopers.