(KNZA)--The city of Hiawatha is taking steps to address the growing number of  foxes seen in town.

Commissioner Toni Hull brought up the issue at Monday’s City Commission meeting.

Hull says she was contacted last week by a couple of business owners very concerned about the foxes running lose in town, which have frequently been seen in the downtown area.  Hull said residents are allowing children to get close to them, which is dangerous. In addition, she says some residents are feeding the foxes, which is strongly discouraged.   

Police Chief John Defore says his department has received a lot of fox complaints since last fall. “ They are city fox.  They have socialized and learned how to live in town, and they prefer not leave town.” Defore added.

Defore says he has contacted the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism about the problem.  He said they are convinced of a couple of things—they are socialized and the city needs to get rid of them.

Defore the state has given the city permission to begin “live trapping” the foxes for re-location to the county.  “For the safety of the fox more than anything, we are going to try and relocate them.  At least the ones that are the daredevils downtown.”

Defore says residents who feed their pets outdoors are advised to watch them while they eat and to remove their food bowl when they're done.