Photographers who frequent Signal Hill have long captured the beauty of its resident foxes, but alongside their stunning images comes an urgent plea: do not feed the foxes. While these animals may appear friendly or in need of food, feeding them disrupts their natural hunting instincts and puts their survival at risk. Wildlife photographers, including Chelsey Lawrence, Brad James and Carol Ann Ryan, have seen how human interference can harm these animals, turning wild foxes into reliant, social creatures that may lose their ability to fend for themselves. Their message is simple—admire them from a distance, but let them remain wild.
Local Photographers United: Chelsey Lawrence
In 2023, wildlife photographer Chelsey Lawrence captured a remarkable moment on Signal Hill when two foxes, one orange and one black-grey, exhibited playful behavior she described as having the "zoomies." The foxes ran energetically around the parking lot before pausing just long enough for Lawrence to snap what she calls her "wow, I can’t believe I got that" shot. With only a three- to four-second window to capture the scene, she described it as an incredibly lucky opportunity. The photo has since gone viral multiple times, drawing attention to both the beauty of wildlife and the photographer's work.
However, with the photo’s viral success, Lawrence emphasizes an important message: do not feed the foxes. She repeatedly warns the public about the dangers of feeding wildlife, explaining that even though the foxes are often seen in busy areas, human interaction can harm their natural behavior. Foxes, like other wild animals, can become dependent on humans when fed, which may lead to potentially dangerous situations for both the animals and people. A fox that loses its natural fear of humans can approach busy roads or act aggressively, posing risks to its survival.
Lawrence's photo continues to capture the hearts of social media users, but her underlying message remains just as critical. She urges people to admire these animals from afar and avoid feeding them to ensure their safety. Signal Hill is not only an iconic landmark but also a habitat for various wildlife species, including the playful foxes. By respecting their space and letting them remain wild, we can help preserve the balance between human activity and nature in this historic and beautiful location.
Food isn't required to get those perfect shots.
Local Photographers United: Brad James
In a 2019, blog post, photographer Brad James shared his exciting encounter with a Silver Fox at Signal Hill, a historic landmark overlooking St. John's, Newfoundland. An encounter shared with his photography buddy, Russell Lynch.
The area is known for its breathtaking views and has become a popular spot for both tourists and photographers. Newfoundland is home to three types of foxes: the Red Fox, the Silver Fox (a melanistic form of the Red Fox), and the Cross Fox. While Howells had previously photographed Red and Cross Foxes, this was his first chance to capture the elusive Silver Fox, making it a particularly special moment.
During his early morning visit, Howells quickly spotted the Silver Fox and was able to capture some stunning images as it searched for food. Despite its initial approach, likely in search of a handout, the fox soon returned to its natural hunting instincts, digging in the snow and catching several voles. The experience highlighted the fox’s ability to thrive in the wild without human intervention, prompting Howells to remind readers of the importance of not feeding wildlife. As he beautifully put it, “If only people could learn to enjoy wildlife and let nature be wild.”
Through his blog, Howells hopes to raise awareness about the negative impacts of feeding wild animals, stressing that these foxes are skilled hunters and can sustain themselves naturally. His post is a poignant reminder that while wildlife can be admired, it should always be respected from a distance, allowing animals to continue their lives undisturbed in their natural habitat.
Natural behaviour is stunningly beautiful.
Local Photographers United: Carol Ann Ryan
In 2019, Carol Ann Ryan, a passionate photographer from St. John's, captured a remarkable moment on Signal Hill when a silver fox cornered a vole just a few feet from her camera lens. Braving freezing temperatures and strong winds, Ryan had set out on what she thought would be a routine morning walk, only to stumble upon this rare sight. As she watched the encounter unfold, Ryan managed to capture the entire sequence—from the fox stalking its prey to the final moment when the vole was caught. Her persistence and keen eye resulted in a striking photograph, with the silver fox staring intently at the vole before ultimately devouring it.
Ryan, who retired from nursing to focus on her passion for photography, frequently visits Signal Hill to capture the area's wildlife, with foxes being one of her favorite subjects. She emphasizes the importance of not feeding the foxes, noting that while they are social animals, human interference can harm their natural behavior. Ryan encourages people to respect the wildlife and allow the foxes to hunt for themselves, reinforcing the need to maintain the animals' independence and natural way of life.
Summary
Lawrence, James and Ryan have all seen firsthand how Signal Hill’s foxes, often drawn to humans, can be tempted by food. However, their call remains clear: let the foxes remain wild. Feeding them not only endangers their independence but could also cause them to lose their natural fear of humans, creating potential risks for both wildlife and people.
Sources:
