After a wild Cape fox was spotted in the Table View area last week, residents are pointing the finger at builders disrupting the animals’ natural habitat.
According to some witnesses, the fox, which was seen close to the Table Bay Nature Reserve, ran in the direction of Sunset Beach on Wednesday as many stopped in their tracks to view the rare sighting.
Resident and animal lover Jade Faro says normally wild animals will emerge when there had been a fire.
“Like the blaze at the Table View Vlei in June this year, but obviously this is different. Everywhere we look in our area apartment complexes or roads are being constructed. This can also contribute to wild animals leaving their natural habitat to look for a peaceful place elsewhere.
“We have to do our bit to protect these animals. The City and building companies are aware that we are surrounded by nature reserves. They should check the areas for any animals before continuing with their building and road plans,” Faro says.
Other animal lovers say this is a very special sighting for the area as foxes are generally not spotted during the day as they are nocturnal species, and are rarely found in urban spaces.
Report wildlife sightings
The City of Cape Town says it is believed that the healthy Cape fox was probably exploring the protected corridors in the Table Bay Nature Reserve the night before and found itself in unfamiliar territory during the day time, which might have caused the animal to take evasive action through the urban area.
“The animal has not been seen since Wednesday afternoon, 21 September, which is a very positive sign, indicating it probably found its way back to safety in the nature reserve. We urge the public to please report interesting wildlife sightings to the local nature reserve. The residents must please include a picture of the animal to assist with identification and for record keeping on our biodiversity database.
“For trapped or injured animals, residents can contact the local nature reserve or the SPCA’s Cape of Good Hope wildlife unit for assistance,” says the City’s Deputy Mayor and Mayco member for spatial planning and environment, Eddie Andrews.
A resident, Jean Diedericks, says the fox came out of nowhere, but he was too late to take a photo.
“I had no idea we had foxes in the area. Now my peaceful nights may not be so peaceful anymore,” he says jokingly.
Others took to social media to share their experience and voice opinions on the matter.
Sanccob can be contacted for assistance with injured seabirds.
“We need to be mindful that we are not the only creatures utilising our beautiful city spaces, especially areas close to protected areas and corridors. Although they are not often seen, we share these areas with special wildlife. The public is advised to never approach, feed, capture or keep any wildlife. This is against the law; also, there are trained staff mandated to attend to any animal in distress,” says Andrews.
Who to contact
Below is a list of useful contact numbers:
- Table Bay Nature Reserve – 021 444 0315
- Cape of Good Hope SPCA – 021 700 4140 and after hours: 083 326 1604
- Sanccob – 021 557 6155 and for an emergency after hours: 078 638 3731
Reporting other wildlife in distress:
- Seals – contact the SPCA: 021 700 4158 / 9 or 083 326 1604 (emergency line)
- Turtles – contact the Two Oceans Aquarium: 021 418 3823 or 083 326 1604 (emergency line).
