The uptake of attractant and flavour enhanced baits by foxes (Vulpes vulpes) in rural England

Over a 15 month period the removal rates of different attractant and flavour enhanced baits, by foxes, was investigated at permanent and single use sites. All baits were composed of mechanically recovered chicken meat (MRM) and were treated with one of four additives (an attractant or flavour); untreated baits were used as experimental controls. The addition of synthetic ferment egg (SFE) increased bait removal compared with untreated and valeric acid (VA) treated bait. However, the addition of beef flavour or honey flavour to bait did not increase bait removal rates compared to untreated bait. There was limited evidence of learning (by foxes and other species responsible for removing the bait) at one of the permanent study sites but no evidence of such behaviour at the other site. There was no evidence of consistent seasonal differences in bait removal rates. It was concluded that the use of attractants may increase bait removal rate in areas where bait removal rate is low; but where bait removal rate is high (in most rural areas of Britain) the addition of attractants or flavours offers little advantage.