Invasive predator strolls through Aussie suburb as crisis grows
An invasive predator was spotted strolling around an inner-city building this week, shocking Aussies passing by on their way to work. Photos show the brazen red fox casually strutting up a flight of stairs in Parkville, Melbourne, before wandering along what appears to be an apartment complex's fence — all in broad daylight.
The destructive pest, which locals say they have affectionately named 'Frédérique', was caught on camera by a curious man who briefly followed the animal. However the seemingly innocent scene is anything but.
Foxes are increasingly making their way into Aussie suburbs and major metropolitan areas, with cities like Perth, Sydney and Melbourne hosting the highest populations in the country. And it seems that residents are very aware of their presence, with some revealing online that they see 'Frédérique' walking around 'like he owns the place' on a daily basis.
'I hate that they're so cute but at the same time such a pest. I see them relatively frequently around the northern suburbs,' one Melburnian commented on the Reddit post. 'They're unfortunately quite common,' another added.
Urban areas have a higher population of foxes compared to rural areas due to the availability of food, water and shelter. It's estimated that there are as many as 16 foxes per square km in Melbourne, according to Agriculture Victoria.
According to recent research by the Australian National University, there are thought to be some 1.7 million foxes across the country, with populations found on 80 per cent of the continent. Their presence, along with feral cats, has had a devastating impact on our wildlife, contributing significantly to Australia's status as having the worst mammal extinction rate in the world.
Each year, foxes kill about 300 million native mammals, birds and reptiles. Along with human activity, foxes are speeding up the loss of native animals in our cities.
'The red fox has played a major role in the decline of ground-nesting birds and small to medium sized mammals in Victoria,' Parks Victoria says. 'Foxes are opportunistic predators and scavengers that impact native wildlife, spread weeds and cause production loss in livestock systems.'
In Victoria, foxes are declared as established pests, therefore all homeowners and land managers are required to take reasonable steps to help control their spread.
🚘 Predator spotted on Aussie road exposes sinister reality
🐢 Aussie council under pressure as iconic species ravaged by predator
📸 Sad story behind image of emu toes amid Australia's invasive species crisis
Earlier this year, a fox was photographed standing in the middle of a busy Perth intersection in the middle of the day, not long after local authorities revealed the predators had killed 300 turtles in an ecologically significant set of wetlands over the span of a year.
In autumn, young foxes are 'on the move' in search of new territory after being 'kicked out of home', population management specialist Gillian Basnett recently told Yahoo.
However, in cities, it is particularly difficult to completely remove foxes. 'Because we're so close to human habitation and pet animals, it leaves us with a limited set of tools to manage fox numbers," she said.
Despite this, Basnett said there are things you can do to help protect local wildlife and deter foxes.
They include:
Don't leave pet food outside overnight
Use enclosed compost bins
Keep domestic animals secure at night
Remove fallen fruit around fruit trees
Keep garbage bins covered
Block entry points to drains
Close off access to underneath buildings
Use fox-proof enclosures for poultry — remember foxes dig and can climb
Turn off outside lights that might attract insects
Reduce weeds that provide food and shelter, such as Blackberries
Record sightings in FoxScan.
Deterrents need to be intermittent as they will habituate quickly. E.g. sensor spotlights rather than lights on all the time.
Have gardens with lots of plants that wildlife can hide in, grasses, shrubs, rocks, logs, etc.
Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.
You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
32 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Concerning roadside find reveals dangerous trend landing Aussies in hospital
Dozens of brightly coloured canisters found strewn across a dirt path on the side of a suburban road have shone a spotlight on a concerning trend landing Aussies in hospital. The 3.3-litre cylinders featuring eye-catching graphics and the phrase 'experience heaven on earth' horrified a passerby in Melbourne this week, not only because they had been illegally dumped, but due to the danger of their contents. 'So sick of these! What hope do we have of stopping younger people behaving like this?' the frustrated local wrote online. Sadly, it's an all too familiar scene across the country. Nitrous oxide is classed as a dissociative anaesthetic and is an odourless gas used to make whipped cream and put doctors' patients at ease. But it can have devastating – or even deadly – consequences if misused. Despite increasing media coverage of the risks involved, the warnings haven't stopped people from inhaling the gas, often referred to as 'nangs', in search of a quick high. There's an increasing number of case studies documenting people who have presented to emergency departments with severe nerve and spinal cord damage, Dr Jodie Grigg, who has been monitoring the use of illicit substances for the National Drug Research Institute for over 12 years, told Yahoo News. 'It may start off with some tingling and numbness in their fingers and toes, or difficulty keeping their balance, and that can progress to the complete inability to walk… they can lose the brain/body connection and without early intervention, those harms can be permanent,' she said. Use of the gas inactivates vitamin B12, she explained, which can lead to stripping the lining around a person's spinal cord. Psychiatric harms can also occur, such as psychosis and hallucinations. 'There's acute risks as well, like cold burns, damage to the lungs, falls due to lightheadedness and losing consciousness. There was at least one case where a Schoolie fell off a balcony and died.' While the majority of those who land in hospital have been using large amounts for a prolonged period, there are reports of exceptions with harm occurring from a single major binge. 🏥 Teen's tragic diagnosis after getting addicted to nangs: 'I can't walk' 🧍♀️Woman's battle with 'deadly' illness after vaping for less than a year 💰 Record $10 million bust highlights growing scourge in Australia Between 2010 and 2020, researchers have observed a 'steady upward trend' in reports of nitrous oxide use, which spiked 'steeply' in 2019 and continues to 'fluctuate' today, Dr Grigg told Yahoo. Curious about what may have led to the increase, she 'did a bit of a deep dive online', and discovered a plethora of websites across the country offering large nang deliveries in under 30 minutes. 'The increase in use may relate to the increased access at low cost and in bulk, and also the emergence of those 24/7 express delivery services, which have a lot of promotions, social media advertising and bulk-buy incentives. 'They're also increasingly marketed with flavours and appealing packaging… there's also increasing references in pop culture and ongoing perceptions of safety. I think the nitrous market has become a bit of a Wild West at the moment.' Hospitals and health authorities are seeing the 'shift' first-hand, with people now admitting they're using a 3.3-litre tank a day instead of the smaller bulbs. 'The literature suggests many of the more recent severe cases are linked to people using those larger canisters,' Dr Grigg said. While delivery services are 'very popular', research show users are most commonly buying nitrous oxide from convenience stores. 'We performed an analysis which looked at factors that might contribute to people using in high-risk ways, and the delivery services were associated with people using higher amounts per session. But the convenience stores were associated with people using it more frequently,' Dr Grigg told Yahoo. Under Australian Consumer Law, the sale of nitrous oxide for legitimate purposes is legal, however the gas was reclassified as a Schedule 6 poison by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) in 2022, requiring all canisters to feature a warning label. But 'most people aren't actually observing and recalling those warnings, which suggests possibly the need for plain packaging', Dr Grigg said. To help curb the problem, South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia have introduced new regulations, with the latter banning the sale of larger canisters and restricting purchases of 10 gram canisters to registered food and beverage businesses. Any retailer caught breaking the laws – which were introduced seven months ago – can be hit with an on-the-spot fine of up to $6,000, though none have been issued yet. In SA, it's illegal to sell nitrous oxide to anyone under 18, or between the hours of 10pm and 5am, while in Victoria, a supplier cannot sell it to anyone they suspect is going to inhale it. Individual state regulations may help deter some Aussies from supplying or trying to purchase the gas, but it's likely some retailers will continue to sell illicitly due to profits involved, Dr Grigg explained. 'It's really about striking the right balance, because if you completely prohibit it there are concerns that it could encourage a riskier, underground market to counterfeit substances and encourage riskier use of other inhalants,' she said. 'There are adverse risks that need to be considered so the supply control really needs to be approached with some caution.' Dr Grigg believes that to reduce high-risk patterns of use, "regulatory action should ideally be one component of a broader public health response that also includes demand and harm reduction strategies'. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Ozempic users report surprising cravings for certain smells: Here's what to know
While Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs have been shown to have myriad benefits, they can also present some unwelcome effects, primarily nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms. Some are also reporting changes in their sense of smell — sometimes referred to as "Ozempic smell" — as one of the lesser-known side effects of GLP-1 medications. Anecdotal evidence suggests that people taking these drugs could be suddenly drawn to sugary perfumes and scents, possibly even craving them. Is Ozempic Ruining Your Teeth? What To Know About Impact On Dental Health Some users on Reddit have reported unexpected cravings and appreciations for perfumes. "I started semaglutide in April last year and have lost 80lbs and gained a newfound appreciation for fragrances," wrote one user. Read On The Fox News App Another user replied, "My scent obsession started when I started my shots…" GLP-1 receptor agonists work by imitating the natural hormone GLP-1, which helps to regulate blood sugar and maintains a feeling of fullness. Originally created as an agent to treat diabetes, the class of medications has become a popular weight-loss solution. Weight-loss, Diabetes Drugs Linked To Vision Problems In Small Study The regions that control people's senses of taste and smell are also primary sources of this natural hormone, studies have shown. Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, says that while he hasn't observed this phenomenon in his own patients, the medications do alter digestion. "I have seen an increase in reflux and burping related to delayed gastric emptying with these drugs," he told Fox News Digital. "This can lead to an acidic or sour taste, which could theoretically affect smell as well." Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter The reported side effect aligns with another trend: Gourmand fragrances (sweet-smelling, sugary perfume scents like cake batter and caramel) are rising in popularity, as reported by Forbes. The gourmand fragrance market has been rising in recent years, and is expected to exceed $35 billion in 2025, market research shows. Searches for "caramel perfume" in particular are expected to grow by 42% this year. So far, no specific studies have determined what link, if any, GLP-1 medications have to proclivity for sugary perfumes. "This [effect] would be in a relatively small number of cases," Siegel said, referring to patients who develop an olfactory sweet tooth. For more Health articles, visit Further research is required to investigate the potential link between GLP-1 medications and changes in perception of the way people taste and smell, he article source: Ozempic users report surprising cravings for certain smells: Here's what to know
CNET
9 hours ago
- CNET
Can Your Nonstick Pan Make You Sick? We'll Explain
A great nonstick pan can do wonders for your cooking. Nonstick cookware is coated in teflon, which makes it easy to use and clean. However, some question the safety of the chemical-coated dishes: PTFE and PFAS (used in the coating) can potentially mix with your food during use. CNET Last year, the US saw an increase in reported cases of "Teflon flu." If that raises questions in your mind, you're not alone. Several Reddit users expressed the same concerns, with some wondering whether inhaling Teflon fumes while cooking is dangerous. The good news is that if your cookware was made after a certain year and you use it properly, you should be in the clear. But there's also a bit more to the story. Here's what you need to know about Teflon flu and using your nonstick kitchenware without health worries. Read more: Never Raise Your Air Fryer Above This Temperature What is Teflon flu? Air fryer baskets are often made with a synthetic nonstick coating. David Watsky/CNET The chemical polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), found in Teflon and similar nonstick surfaces, is common in air fryers, pots and pans and other kitchen appliances. When these materials overheat, they can release synthetic compounds that pose health risks. Polymer fume fever, or Teflon flu, has reignited a debate about nonstick cookware safety. The illness occurs when fumes from an overheated Teflon or nonstick pan are inhaled. Nonstick pans are made with polytetrafluoroethylene (also known as PTFE). PTFEs are known as "forever chemicals" because they take decades or sometimes even hundreds of years to break down. Read more: I Upgraded to This PFAS-Free Glass Fryer and You Should, Too Under normal use, PTFEs aren't thought to cause a health risk, but when heated to above 500 degrees Fahrenheit, there are increased emissions and the resulting polymer fume fever. Polymer fume fever causes a range of reported symptoms including fever, chills, muscle tension and headache. Symptoms of Teflon flu are temporary and generally start within 12 hours of exposure but can take up to 24 hours to take hold. How to avoid Teflon flu Teflon and nonstick cookware are easy to use, clean and maintain, but it should be used only for low to medium heat cooking. Never heat your nonstick cookware over high heat or medium heat for long periods of time. Try to keep the surface temperature at or below 450 degrees Fahrenheit, or emissions from the PTFE coating are likely to increase. What is Teflon and does it cause cancer? Nonstick or Teflon is a popular choice for home cooks. The biggest advantage is that food won't stick to pots and pans coated with Teflon the way it does to other metal materials, so it's easy to flip a pancake or remove a cooked egg. Nonstick is also very easy to clean, generally taking no more than a few seconds to wash by hand. Teflon is a brand name for a synthetic chemical called polytetrafluoroethylene that's used in many household products, from wire coatings to fabric protectors and kitchen cookware. The knock on Teflon is that it's unsafe if consumed or absorbed into the body and can increase the chances of cancer and other diseases. Studies have shown some connections (more on that below), but Teflon still exists and is used to make cookware, and the safety concerns around Teflon are mostly a thing of the past. I stress mostly. Here's why… The brand Teflon may be associated with a risk of cancer, but it's actually a chemical formerly used in the making of Teflon called PFOA that's to blame. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, perfluorooctanoic acid is a manufactured perfluorochemical developed in the 1930s and used to make fluoropolymer coatings and products that resist heat, oil, stains, grease and water. Thanks to a federal ban, all Teflon and nonstick cookware made after 2013 should be free of harmful PFOA. Europe enacted the same ban in 2008. All-Clad What are the negative effects of PFOA? In some studies, PFOA has been linked to cancer, immune deficiency and a host of other medical problems. It has also been shown to affect growth and development and injure the liver in laboratory animals. As recently as 2017, chemical giant Dupont settled a lawsuit for more than $670 million for its role in contaminating drinking water with PFOA (also referred to as C-8) in the mid-Ohio Valley. A previous class-action suit from 2004 in the same area led to a study that found PFOA was linked to cancer and compromised immune function, even in small doses. Teflon cookware made before 2013 may be toxic All that was enough for most manufacturers to halt the production of nonstick coatings using PFOA around 2002. Teflon using PFOA wasn't officially banned in the United States until 2014. Europe banned it in 2008. That means if you own Teflon nonstick cookware from 2013 or earlier, there's a chance it contains PFOA. Nine years is typically longer than the average lifespan of a nonstick pan, but if you're not sure, it's probably best to replace any Teflon-coated pots or pans. If you're concerned, look for PFOA-free cookware Because of the ban, all nonstick cookware made in the US should be PFOA-free, but you'd be wise to make sure. Be extra cautious about buying cheap or off-brand cookware, especially if it's not produced in a country with an active PFOA ban. PFOA is still produced elsewhere, largely in China, and used to make consumer products. The good news is that PFOA-free nonstick cookware is cheap, so there's no reason to risk it with anything that might contain the chemical. You can nab a 10-inch skillet from a trusted cookware brand like Misen for $99 or Tramontina for about $30. Luxury cookware brand All-Clad makes a two-piece nonstick cookware set for $60. The Always Pan is a nonstick ceramic alternative to Teflon cookware. Our Place The best natural nonstick cookware alternatives If you're ready to ditch Teflon and chemical-based nonstick pots and pans, there are plenty of more natural nonstick alternatives. The most nonstick of the bunch is ceramic cookware, which has seen a boom in popularity since concerns about Teflon first surfaced. A few popular ceramic cookware options include The Always Pan (read my full review here), Caraway and Greenpan. Cast iron is another cookware material that develops a natural nonstick coating over time, especially if you season it well and care for it properly. It won't likely ever become as nonstick as Teflon, but cast iron has loads of other culinary benefits that are worthy of a few extra seconds of scrubbing in the sink after use. Lodge is a tried-and-true cast-iron cookware producer: You can scoop up a 10-inch skillet for as little as $20. Cast iron develops a nonstick patina over time and is a natural alternative to Teflon. Angela Lang/CNET Carbon steel is yet another option and functions similarly to cast-iron cookware, although it's not quite as heavy, slightly more sensitive to corrosion, and typically more expensive. Carbon steel hasn't really popped off here in the US but is a favorite of professional chefs, as well as yours truly. Cookware startup Made In produces some excellent carbon steel cookware with prices starting around $89, but there are cheaper options out there. FAQs Should I worry about buying Teflon nonstick cookware? The Teflon brand stopped using PFOA, the offending chemical behind Teflon flu, in 2013. That means that it should be safe to use new Teflon cookware any way you see fit -- although it couldn't hurt to continue being cautious when using new nonstick cookware. Can I only catch Teflon flu from Teflon products? No. The name Teflon flu originates from the Teflon brand because they famously used PFOA chemicals in the process of creating its cookware before 2013. However, that doesn't mean your cookware is PFOA-free. If your cookware is created in the US, it should be free of harmful chemicals. But cheap companies and off-brands that create cookware in countries without PFOA bans often still use the chemical in their products, and those might still wind up in your hands.
