Czech village offers bounty to capture mischievous fox terrorizing poultry

The village of Mořkov in Czechia's Moravian-Silesian Region has announced a CZK 1,000 reward for the capture of a live fox that has repeatedly raided local chicken coops. The small community of about 2,000 residents has posted a humorous Wild West–style notice to spread awareness.

The village warns people to remain cautious and avoid direct contact with the animal. Authorities say the fox, which has already killed several dozen chickens and attacked a cat, appears to be partially domesticated.

“It seems this fox may have escaped or been released elsewhere before arriving here,” Deputy Mayor Jiří Navrátil told iDnes.cz. “Its behavior suggests it isn’t hunting purely out of hunger—it even lines up the chickens instead of eating them.”

Residents are advised not to approach the fox, which has been photographed several times in areas across the village's streets. Mořkov officials have arranged for the animal to be relocated safely to the Bartošovice Wildlife Rescue Station once it is captured.

The village considered using a drop trap, but Navrátil said such devices could inadvertently trap a cat or other small animal, highlighting the need for monitored, humane methods. “We want to capture it safely for both people and the animal,” he added.

The public alert describes the fox in detail: a smaller, slender animal with a red coat, white chest patch, bushy tail tipped in white, and amber, alert eyes. Officials emphasize that anyone with sightings or information should contact the deputy mayor directly.

Experts consulted by the village suggested the fox’s unusual behavior—raiding but not consuming the poultry—indicates a level of domestication not typical of wild foxes. This has prompted the authorities to treat the situation with both caution and care.

Foxes have increasingly adapted to semi-urban environments across Europe and the Czech Republic, sometimes coming into conflict with humans by targeting domestic birds or small pets. While rare, Mořkov’s proactive approach reflects a growing trend in balancing public safety with wildlife conservation.

The village’s public notice is also notable for its community-focused approach, using clear instructions and contact information to involve residents in reporting sightings without endangering themselves.

Authorities plan to monitor the fox until it is captured, emphasizing safety for both the animal and the village’s inhabitants. The reward serves as an incentive, but officials urge caution, asking the public to report sightings rather than attempting to catch the fox themselves.