Joe Manchin III, Governor

Frank Jezioro, Director

News Release : December 15, 2005

Hoy Murphy , Public Information Officer (304) 558-3380 hoymurphy@wvdnr.gov

Contact: Curtis Taylor , Wildlife Resources Section Chief (304) 558-2771 wildlife@wvdnr.gov

Sale of Live Foxes Permitted in West Virginia

            West Virginia trappers will be allowed to sell live foxes to hound coursing pens in West Virginia during the 2005-2006 trapping season, according to Curtis I. Taylor, Chief of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Wildlife Resources Section.  All foxes used in hound coursing pens must be live-trapped in the county in which the pen is located. 

            “This action will help to avoid any additional westward spread of rabies and reduce the possibility of moving diseased animals across the state,” Taylor said.  “In addition, since raccoon are the primary carriers of the raccoon strain of rabies, the sale of live raccoon remains suspended for the 2005-2006 trapping season.”

            Hound coursing pens are licensed in West Virginia and regulated by best management standards which are designed to promote humane treatment of the wild animals being pursued.  Trappers are urged to use extreme care when handling live animals due to the dangers of exposure to rabies and other diseases. 

            Please contact your local Wildlife Biologist for more information about the sale of live foxes.  Division of Natural Resources offices are located in Farmington (304-825-6787), Romney (304-822-3551), French Creek (304-924-6211), Beckley (304-256-6947), Point Pleasant (304-675-0871) and Parkersburg (304-420-4550).

**DNR**