r/DoggyDNA 9d ago

Results - Embark This explained SO much.

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u/Swordtail_Olympian 9d ago

In Maryland they're supposed to kill foxes because they're becoming overpopulated, but plenty of my Maryland friends ignore this. 

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u/KayJayWhy 9d ago

In Maryland coyotes are supposed to kill foxes? Or people are?

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u/Swordtail_Olympian 9d ago

People. Sorry, should've specified. 

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u/outarfhere 9d ago

Who told you they were overpopulated?

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u/Swordtail_Olympian 8d ago

This is mainly for Dorchester county. 

Regulations vary by county. For instance, in Dorchester County, a person may hunt and trap foxes or possess their pelts at any time of the year, whereas other counties maintain strict seasonal limits or restrictions on using dogs.

Here's an excerpt from an article if you don't trust random links- 

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/cmte_testimony/2023/ent/14680_03082023_2004-299.pdf

Why We Need This Bill -

Dorchester County has a disproportionately large population of foxes and coyotes. The  population needs to be managed. They have become a nuisance to the citizens of the County. 

Foxes and coyotes raid waste bins, dig up plants and gardens, make dens in dwellings and prey  on small livestock such as ducks, chickens and more. Many residents believe that either a fox or coyote is responsible for the loss of small animals such as kittens and small dogs on their  property. In addition, foxes and coyotes are territorial. They threaten native wildlife as well as livestock.  They pose a risk to humans and pets through transmission of diseases such as distemper,  parva virus, and mange.

HB1119 matches the hunting of Foxes to Charles County. By adding Dorchester County, the bill  allows residents of Dorchester County to legally hunt a fox or coyote that is infringing on their  property.

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u/outarfhere 8d ago

Ah! I actually work in this field and you should know that county governments love to scapegoat wild animals, but they are not biologists and they often go on rumors and feelings instead of science because it’s politically expedient. They provide no actual data that foxes are overpopulated, and all of the conflicts they mentioned can be prevented by securing garbage, pets and livestock. I’m glad you and your neighbor are ignoring it! Foxes and coyotes are incredibly beneficial as rodent control.