Wildlife Photography in the city - Foxes

[@Chareece24]

How do you get the dark backgrounds for your thumbnails

[@BillFerris]

Thanks for making the video, Matt. Baiting is an important topic and worthy of an open robust discussion. I live in a relatively small city (pop. about 72,000) in the Southwest US and am a 20-minute drive from places where I can photograph elk, deer, pronghorn, coyotes, foxes, and even mountain lions. A Mexican Gray Wolf was recently captured in the area, and relocated to another, more remote part of the state. I share this as context for my comments on the topic. While it's no Yellowstone National Park, the forests and meadows in my area offer decent wildlife photo ops. Not everybody has access to that, especially residents of metropolitan areas where wildlife are urban dwellers. I've no doubt the young women in your video believe that feeding the fox is an act of kindness. They offer the animal food - a seemingly harmless or even compassionate act - and are rewarded with a good photo op. Everybody wins, right? Well, not so fast. Here in the US, many wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts embrace the ethic of not feeding wildlife. The most obvious and frequently cited reason for this policy - it's a law in US national parks - are occasional tragic events in which an apex predator (e.g. grizzly bear) attacks, mauls, or even kills a human. A person might think, "well it makes sense to not bait or attract animals that can kill a person but what's wrong with feeding a fox? A fox can't do serious harm to a person." Last winter, photographer David Yarrow was seen baiting a fox during a photoshoot in Yellowstone National Park. A member of the shoot team was photographed using food to entice the fox to come nearer. The incident is currently under investigation. The fox, which had become habituated to taking food from humans prior to the Yarrow incident, has been euthanized. Some might consider euthanizing animals that have become habituated to taking food from people an extreme response. It is. The question is, is it appropriate? It's been well-documented that animals habituated to taking food from humans will become more confident and aggressive in the presence of people. Since the foods humans typically share with animals are higher in calories, animals can quickly come to prefer human food to natural food sources. The bacteria in a fox's stomach that help with digestion will alter to become compatible with human food, and the animal will no longer be able to consume, digest and sustain itself by eating naturally occurring food sources. That may be a reason the foxes in your video so openly pursue food from people. They may no longer be able to digest the rodents and other natural food sources they would normally rely on for sustenance. Animals that become habituated to receiving food from people, can become aggressive towards people. A fox that bites an adult may only do minimal injury, but a child is at greater risk...especially a young child. Foxes carry rabies and other communicable diseases which can be transmitted through a bite. So, while it may seem unwarranted or extreme to euthanize a fox that has become habituated to taking food from people, it's a necessary action in a national park where even one incident of a tourist being seriously injured by that animal is considered one too many. Euthanization also prevents the animal from suffering a slow agonizing death from starvation, a real possibility once that animal is no longer able or willing to sustain itself with natural food sources. What I would ask of your viewers, is that they research the question. Find out why baiting of wild animals is considered unethical or even treated as illegal in some jurisdictions. Understand the risks to people and to the animals of that conduct. Then, make an informed decision about the appropriateness of baiting. For those who choose to feed wild animals, please be prepared to accept responsibility for what ensues should the worst possible outcome happen.

[@susangould2871]

Your films seem to get better and better with your commentary good, unbiased and a treat to listen to. It is so good also to see so much city wildlife enjoyed by so many. Well done.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Grandma! :D Glad you enjoyed it and found it unbiased! Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts :)

[@dlanska]

A well-framed, thoughtful, and balanced discussion, recognizing the diversity of opinions and still helping to bridge some of the gaps. We need more like this.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you so much for such a kind comment! Really glad you see it that way!

[@tysonator5433]

Wonderful video, informative and we'll shot. Where is this park ! ?

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you! Sadly I don't share specific location information because I don't want any of these locations to be overwhelmed and harm the wildlife. I hope you understand and I am sorry I can't provide you with the information you require. Though If you do want to see foxes most big cities in the UK have foxes pretty much as comfortable with humans as this which are quite active at night (especially on bin night :D). Thanks for watching!

[@adamjuckesphoto]

Brilliant video Matt. Well presented as always but also insightful and evocative. Amazing work.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Adam! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@raymondpenalver7095]

Great to see you back Matt with yet another excellent video, loved your fox photos !!!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you so much Raymond! Always working on more! Even if they are few and far between :D. Thanks for watching :)

[@SvenTheSnakeGuy]

Brilliant Matt! I've been planning a similar video for quite a while now, but with the main focus being the ethics in reptile and amphibian photography. However, I will touch on bird and mammal photography in the beforementioned video. Do you mind if I link and mention your video in it? I recon it's a subject that needs far more attention than it is getting at the moment :)

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Sven! Glad you enjoyed it! I'd love to see a video on that specifically. My knowledge on reptiles and amphibians is severely lacking. 😂 By all means link it if you think it would help. Thank you for watching, hope the video goes well!

[@SvenTheSnakeGuy]

Cheers @@MattGouldphotography! Hehe, they aren't the most approachable animals, and that's one of the reasons the ethics might be a bit overlooked as well. But hey we'll see what I figure out once the video is done :P

[@60secondmediauk]

Amazing to watch, I have only ever encountered one fox in the wild close enough to photograph.... as for baiting, all is well until someone gets bit. then all hell will break loose and there will be calls to kill the poor things. there are stories of foxes getting into houses and biting kids etc.. as for the photo's stunning!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Leon, thanks for sharing your thoughts. Its definitely a tricky one for sure but glad you managed to have a close encounter yourself, and thank you for the kind words about the photos!

[@hlpvinod]

Nice video and great discussion Matt, was wondering where is the location?

[@clairegould8041]

surprised the gul parents didn't dive bomb you !! - such underrated wee birds. great video as always!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Ha, yeah there were so many people about there would have been no way they could have singled me out to be honest. But yeah cracking birds. Glad you enjoyed the video

[@matthart3246]

Brilliant Video. Thoroughly enjoyed watching it. Education and appreciation for the world around us are key to these and others' survival.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you so much Matt! Completely agree! Thank you again for watching!

[@sdrtcacgnrjrc]

Always enjoy your videos, thanks !

[@pabloducarme4681]

Thanks for this amazing video once again Matt! Its a very controversial conversation and as you said does depend on the what, how, where and when. Beautiful pictures like always and it puts a smile on my face every time I get a notification of a new video from you. Your passion for nature and wildlife is inspiring.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Pablo! Glad you agree that its not a broad yes or no and is heavily dependent on variables. Thank you so much for the kind words! I hope to bring many more smiles :D. Thanks for watching!

[@kartherton]

What was the bird at 9.16 please? Thanks in advance. Keith UK 🇬🇧

[@michaelgould2804]

Nicely done, Matt! Possibly my favourite of all your posts; some gorgeous stills, too. A controversial topic, well presented and with no judgement. Something many presenters seem to find difficult to do. 👏🏼👏🏼 I’m against any baiting that changes animals’ natural behaviour, or makes them reliant on the bait; you did, however, give some good reasons why some level of baiting can bring benefits, to both animal and human. As I said, possibly my favourite yet. Keep them coming. 👌🏻

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Michael! Much appreciated, a big call there 😉. Glad you appreciated the attempts to separate my opinion from it. And to be honest I can't argue with the points you raise. Thank you for watching 😊

[@laurielphotography1118]

What an awesome experience, Matt. Nice captures as well. thanks for sharing

[@LuciaHewitt]

Great video Matt and stunning images you got (as always) :)

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you so much Lucia, glad you like it :)

[@Yorkshirewild]

It’s a great piece, some fabulous comments so I won’t bore you with mine as on the whole I agree with all the others. What I do think is that younger people are prepared to take on and I mean head on controversial issues. I absolutely applaud you and your followers for this. In your video you show, prove that with understanding and empathy the magic of these interactions is for all to enjoy without conflict.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Wow! Thank you so much for such heartfelt and kind comments. I really appreciate it and I am so glad that you enjoyed the video and agree its a topic that needs discussion. Thank you so much for watching and for the kind words!

[@Yorkshirewild]

@@MattGouldphotography you deserve good comments because you have a great attitude and look at everything from both sides. This is of course a rarity these days.You also have great people surrounding you, good friends Who share your passion, all young people who we should be proud of.

[@henrybrylowski1332]

An interesting and thought provoking discussion. As I get older an presumably becoming more understanding, open minded, and hopefully wiser; I can see both sides of it. That maybe it not a clear right or wrong, black and white simple answer but many shades of grey in between. Well done.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Good day Henry! Glad you think so! I think there is great merit to seeing both sides of a discussion for sure! Thank you so much for the kind feedback and thank you for sharing and watching!

[@stevesvids]

Superb. 👏👏👏 Stunning shot with the nifty fifty. So close. What a wonderful experience. When you think about, these foxes have survived generations on human food waste. Not much different to putting some seed and a fat ball out for the birds. I've got a nice fox photo I've not processed yet. Caught him sitting in the very first rays of sun in my small back garden. Just a small spot of sun rays. I ran and grabbed my camera fumbling to fit the 400mm on and as I approached the glass of the back door he looked around lit beautifully by the soft sun. Snap. Perfect. I think I'll dig that one out tomorrow and edit it. 🙂 All the best.... regards... Steve

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thanks Steve, cracking lens :D. I think you are completely right about having survived generations on food waste and comparing it to the feeding of birds. OOoooo early sun shots are lovely! I swear you can tell the difference in the image, they just look fresher! Hope the edit goes well and thank you for watching as always :)

[@stevesvids]

@@MattGouldphotography you're welcome Matt.... always a pleasure watching your vids 🙂👏 catch you soon 👍👋

[@JPLamoureuxsTravels]

you are a man after my own heart buddy, but hey whats the difference between that in an urban environment and a bird feeder? How many people have those? I did a show for the TV where i got called in as a tracking / wildlife expert to a very well known posh london area where half the residents fed and loved the foxes and the other half wanted them "Removed" I sang the foxes praises and explained the feeding behaviours, diet etc and made so many for's for the foxes being there they cut my bit out and just had the pest controller as thats the outcome they wanted lol.. beggars belief mate!!! Anyway, as always a great watch and lots of sense you take care and keep enjoying the nature 😉 all the best from another nature Nerd..... JP x

[@MattGouldphotography]

Good Day JP The bird feeder comparison was honestly something I hadn't considered until after making the video but its such a good point that appears to highlight what could be labeled as hypocritical thinking around the subject. Or is it just that we subconsciously see fur and feathers as different. Oh thats an awful story, the media will always push the most evocative story though sadly. Thank you so much for watching and for sharing your thoughts and experience on the matter!

[@krisztiannagyszeder1095]

Hi ,can you tell me where is this place ? I always want to see fox close .

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Krisztian, sadly not. I explain in detail why I sometimes don't reveal locations in a recent video "5 reasons I don't upload regularly". But if you are ever in the UK, just head out one evening (on bin collection day to increase your chances) and I think your odds of seeing one would be pretty high. :) Sorry I couldnt do more, thank you for watching!

[@Chareece24]

Royal fort gardens

[@mattward7168]

Great video, always been tempted to try wildlife photography and this seems like a good way to start. I noticed it's shot in Bristol, just wondering which Park that is? Thanks!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Matt! Always great to hear people are looking to get into the hobby. Sadly I don't wish to share the location by name. I cover the reasons why in a recent video "5 reasons I don't upload regularly". Hope you understand. But Bristol in general is a great place for them. You should be able to find them pretty much anywhere if you head out in the evenings. Bin collection day is the easiest :D.

[@ChrisKaula]

Very important video, Matt! Great content and discussion. :)

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you so much Chris! So glad you agree it needs discussing. Sadly I feel a lot of photographers I admire and occasionally communicate with online seem to disagree. Thanks for watching 😊👍

[@rupeshviswanadhan1234]

Superb video matt.....Keep it going.....

[@josephsermonphotography]

Where is this in Bristol?

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Joseph, sorry but I cant reveal exact locations sometimes due to the impact it could have on the wildlife. However if you head out on bin collection night in cities its a great way to find urban foxes. Thank you for watching and I hope you have a great new year

[@josephsermonphotography]

@@MattGouldphotographyI'm so sorry I completely forgot! Thanks for the info I'll probably be watching bin collection points like a hawk from now on!

[@loneshootr]

I feel like everything humans do - from construction development and road building to pollution - impacts wildlife, usually negatively. The kind of impactful behaviour shown in your video feels like the least harm we can do in many ways. There isn't really much 'natural' environment left on small landmasses like the UK where our presence hasn't influenced it. Peacefully feeding foxes (or ducks in my case!) - I don't have much to criticise, but I totally see lines that shouldn't be crossed. Beautiful images by the way. Subbed.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Good day sir! Yes, very well presented and good points! Is this just highly controversial because the affect it has on the wildlife is perhaps just that bit more obvious? Thank you for watching and for the sub, really appreciate it!

[@chrisdewhurst8418]

Thoroughly enjoyed this video Matt, I was fortunate enough to have a few encounters with a very obliging Fox that used to visit the factory where I work last year! He would come at all hours, and was often willing to pose for a couple of pictures especially if given a small treat!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Glad to hear it Chris! That sounds lovely! I actually know of a very similar story but with a grey seal at a shipping port, several actually :D. Thanks for watching!

[@Walkinginthewoods]

Matt this is a good topic to discuss. Each person must make up their own mind. For me, wildlife photography is about observing and photographing wildlife without interference to the animal or environment. I am a naturalist/environmentalist first and photographer second. If you are a photographer first and you want the 'best' shots then bait, go to a zoo and stick a pin through insects and focus stack as this will give you great detail in your images, It is just not for me though.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Good day! Glad that is your take on wildlife photography, I think that is by far the best way to go about it :). Thank you for your honest feedback and sharing your thoughts!

[@juliangreaves4727]

Well presented discussion Matt. I think much of the trouble lies in unnecessary polarisation of views. Everything is grey and fuzzy. How is this different from feeding birds in your garden?

[@itztom3665]

Expertly put together pal. Its such a hard topic to find a right or wrong answer too as so many opinions vary about the subject of baiting, many different arguments, good points, bad points. You put it across beautifully and thoughtfully though in an exception video. You could argue that feeding birds in the garden or hedgehogs and other animals that visit the garden on a daily basis come to rely on the food that is put out for them and can come to depend on that, does it come down to the type of animal that is baited. Its such a complicated topic, one that i dont think will ever have a right or wrong answer.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Ric! Glad you enjoyed it! Yes, the comparison with feeding birds is one that keeps cropping up and is a very valid point! But as you said its such a complicated one that I think will continue to be controversial for some time yet. Thanks for watching as always!

[@piperalbrecht]

I really loved this. Great visuals and we'll narrated. I liked hearing your thoughts on baiting and hearing both sides of it. I think I agree with you, having some cases where it can engage people with the natural environment and create advocates for its protection. Loved those 50mm shots too! Amazing.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you so much Piper! Glad you agree there are two sides to the debate which can each be right given different circumstances. And thank you so much for the kind words 😊

[@roodieroo]

Such gorgeous photos!!

[@giemz0]

As always great video! Informative, nice, great photos and something to think about. Rob touched the subject of zoo and I would be interested in your opinion about them. Although it would be totally different story :) Maybe a good idea for a video one day:)

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Lukas! Thank you, yes, the zoos topic is one in which my opinion changes almost yearly, mainly due to some bad experiences with people running one zoo in particular. I think I will keep my opinions on the matter to myself until I can put them into words in a more productive way, perhaps in a video :D. Thank you for watching!

[@roblunnen1653]

As always another good film! The biggest commit you made that struck me was "sometimes baiting is good and sometimes its bad" it got me thinking about how animals are adapting to living in the city environment and how that is now becoming there natural environment. I live in a town of around 30k that is just like any other town. The older lady who lives across the street from me sets out food for some of the wild animals as she doesn't want them to go with out food, and it has made me think how is the baiting we saw in your film any different then having a bird feeder? I have a bird feeder that i fill up every 2 weeks as it holds a 20lb bag that last around 7 to 10 days. I do think this type of baiting is different (then that you showed) from the person who goes deer hunting and spends time setting up a feeder to attract deer to area.(Not say that right or wrong just a different type). I also wonder how this is different then going to a zoo to get wildlife photos. I think the vast number of people will never be able to go to different place that are distance from them as for most that might be a once in a lifetime trip. A good topic for discussion.

[@MattGouldphotography]

So many good points there Rob! I think you are so right that it seems to be much the same to putting food out for animals in general like birds. I think often that people's opinions drastically change when a mammal is involved. Despite a lot of the key arguments remaining the same regardless of feather or fur! And as for zoos, well that is a whole other debate equally as fraught with controversy :D. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@giemz0]

Regarding zoo: I think (and I hope I am not wrong) that they changed their general idea/approach from having best/rarest animals to saving rarest animals. Which is totally different. I know 2 species that were saved thanks to huge effort of people. I hope that there are much more and that's the approach that we (as humanity) go. Regarding baiting: for me hunting is much more a challange than photos, yet you are right: if baiting is common there is an impact on wildlife one way or another. Also I agree with Matt - approach changes when type of animal changes (birds are ok to bait, but bears not really;) ). Although I have never baited myself, I am not sure what would be my perspective and limits (if I would do it).

[@roblunnen1653]

@@giemz0 I like the thought out respone you have and you raise some good points. I also think that zoos have changed like you said. I also think that zoos are changing the way they keep the animals now. My local uswd to keep a polor bear in a small cage, maybe 5m square (at leat 40 years ago) now the encloser is alest 15 times as large and and they have places to go were the people cant see them. I do think they they do provide a service in getting people to think about conservation of the animals, out of site out of mind so to speek.

[@giemz0]

@@roblunnen1653 I agree. Also media can be so useful in the subject as well. So to speak Matt created a video and we have a good conversation. Other people may start thinking about baiting/feeding wildlife, they may start a discussion with friends, etc.

[@313mayk]

Great video and great photos! I greet you from the Czech Republic.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Mayer Thank you, glad you like them, greetings from the UK :D

[@KGsPhotography]

Great thoughtful video on a difficult subject. There is good an bad in what we saw it it for each person to make their own minds up. If it helps at all to get people to love and respect nature that has to be a good thing. Cheers Keith

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you so much KG! Glad you enjoyed it! And I completely agree, there is good and bad in it all. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts!

[@MichaelduS7]

Thanks for your great images but also your balanced argument on the topic

[@MattGouldphotography]

Cheers Michael! Glad you see it as balanced, thanks for watching 😊

[@anthonysharp2522]

Thanks Matt, a well balanced and thought out discussion and an opportunity to see a bit of Bristol In a completely different (golden!) light.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Anthony. Glad you saw it as well balanced, that was certainly the aim. I feel that way the reaction in the comments is much more likely to be honest and consequently more interesting

[@johndominick3815]

An interesting and exciting intelligently produced piece Matt. The comments are equally diverse and thought provoking, either arguments sometimes taking the high ground. Where humanity is now, in our global relationship with wildlife, such occurrences are of little consequence unless turned into direct action. I feel overall, like other genres of photography, that photographers have a generally negative impact on the increasing emergencies. As a landscape photographer I often wonder about the need to fly to such places as Iceland to photograph waterfalls and icebergs. Likewise, does the world need anymore African safari type images.

[@phileverett5877]

Great video Matt, beautiful photography as always. i agree with you completely. Wildlife across the board is struggling, personally, i think anything we can do to help them along the way shouldn't be demonised. People have been feeding the birds in gardens for years but for some reason doesn't receive the same criticisms but has the same outcome. As we can see in this video, bringing the wildlife a little closer to us has to power to educate, fascinate and fall in love with wildlife. This, to me, is what is fundamentally critical to ensure its survival.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Phil! Thank you for the kind words! So glad you agree in the power to educate and fascinate! I think reaching wider audiences is so vital to protecting wildlife in the future. I just think its worth questioning the methods along the way because you never know what might pop up :). Thank you for watching!

[@phileverett5877]

@@MattGouldphotography absolutey! No doubt the behaviour changes from our influences. You just have to compare against urban and rural foxes to see this. You are right though. When does it go to far. It will only take for one fox to become overfriendly and accidently nip a feeders hand and the papers will go mental and before we know it the foxes will become victimised and before you know it the hunting ban will be demolished. Difficult one and definelty worthy of outlining! Thanks😊

[@Derbyshire_bird_tours]

A really tricky one isn't it Matt? But let's face it, we all do it in our gardens with bird feeders. If you go on a boat trip to see Gannet at Bempton or Sea Eagles in Scotland bait is thrown in to get better views. I'm sure baiting occurs lots when our favourite wildlife documentaries are filmed too. A balanced film & one that will start many conversations I'm sure. One thing is for sure though, many a wildlife enthusiast will have been hooked when having a close encounter at some point in childhood, I don't see the difference between feeding ducks on the village pond & these foxes in the park. As with all things it's about balance.

[@MattGouldphotography]

A very tricky one yes! Glad you agree it's not a straight forward one. And yes, the comparison with garden birds has popped up a lot since posting this but I can honestly say it didn't cross my mind in the making of it. A lot of food for thought. Thank you so much for the kind words and I completely agree a out a lot of people having been hooked in a similar way. Cheers

[@meikamartin953]

Some impactful photos and great comments on feeding wildlife..a lot of us forget that our early wildlife experiences involved feeding a squirrel or a duck :)

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Meika! Glad that was your take away, some of my happiest early memories were feeding bread to ducks, something I would never do now that I know better. Thanks for watching as always! :)

[@jeffkatzer]

Great video Matt.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Jeff! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lorraine1810]

Thank you Matt, great video, a controversial subject as others have said but you presented as always without judging. Beautiful shots of a beautiful and clever animal 👍

[@penbphotography]

This is the first video i have seen of yours, loved it. Take this from an oldie my love of nature come from pond dipping, the zoo, and visiting places like Trafalgar Square when I was small it was full of pigeons. All of these things would have had an impact on wildlife. Life is not perfect. But now I have children and I am passing on my love of nature to them. There knowledge is much greater than mine was at there age. By the time they are adults there knowledge will be better than my own. The human race is so far away from nature and it is vital to build a understanding of the natural world. This huge journey could start from pond dipping or an inspirational photo. So use the best knowledge you have and dont look down on any one. This what I try to do. (I do not always get it right) . 😬

[@MattGouldphotography]

Firstly great to hear that you are passing on your knowledge and love for wildlife to your kids. And that you enjoyed the video (hopefully you find many more you enjoy on here and in the future 😁). But you're right, it's not a perfect world but as you seem to have clearly justified, the knock on affects can be multi generational. Hopefully theirs and everyone else's knowledge continues to grow. Thank you for watching 🙂

[@penbphotography]

@@MattGouldphotography Nice response thank you 👍

[@debbiepierce3045]

Another brilliant video Matt n a good point made as far as baiting goes, although I think a more natural food substance should be used if your going to do it, even tinned cat/dog food or even fresh tripe. Your shoots of the foxes were amazing I loved them all.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Ahhh yes a key point there in my opinion. What bait to use makes a huge difference in the debate for me so I am glad it seems to be the same for you. Natural all the way :). Thanks for watching!

[@angelaknight903]

Thank you for your efforts Brilliant photos

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Angela! Glad you like them!

[@buzzbeescraps8839]

Wonderful footage. Such beautiful animals. I've always thought that regularly feeding wild animals is wrong because that food probably won't always be there. BUT, then I saw the comment about feeding birds!!! So I'm off to re -think my views on that subject !?! Light, occasional baiting is fine as I believe people need to see photos of wild animals (especially the ones on our doorstep)!!! in order to care about them. It's never been more important to show people all of the amazing wildlife there is around us. We need to keep the photos coming!!! Fab video Matt :)

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Scraps! I think the more regular the feeding the more thought has to be given. Though I love that the comments have made you think about your position on it all. The feeding of birds really is an interesting one which I am now giving a lot more thought to myself. Though I am glad to hear you believe in the power of photos like I do. Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for watching!

[@Kurzlun]

Do you think its a matter of responsibility or at least good sportsmanship to state that the animal pictured has been baited for the shot? I mean when posting on instagram or other online platforms..?

[@MattGouldphotography]

Good question. And one I feel I can answer without showing bias to the debate in question I think. So in my opinion you should state that an animal was baited. Purely because I favour anything that makes social media more transparent. And i think sometimes photographers often look far better than other people because they bait which can discourage those who assume the shots were achieved without baiting. Thanks for the question 😊

[@jamesfindlay7150]

stunning superb video and nice interactions. Urban foxes so don't see the issue with seeing them in and around. My view is they come into the cities and towns as there is an abundance of discarded food (people throwing food in bins) so foxes are coming into get the food so in a way that's also baiting them.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you so much for the kind feedback James! Yeah I think the fact there are here because of our food that they find their way too anyway and their naturally opportunistic behavior has to play a part in the debate for sure.

[@AndrewHomer]

Magical Matt.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Andrew!

[@lisabirdluvr9742]

I totally agree. When people realize how special wildlife is, then maybe they will take care of it when the wildlife needs them.

[@ChrisHunt4497]

Good Day Dear Matt, Thank you for another top video. Lovely images of course. Quite a topic and the debate will go on. I feed the birds in my garden and help the hedgehogs too. I can see both sides of the argument. Bit of a fence-sitter.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Good day dear Chris! Thank you for the kind feedback! The debate will indeed go on, I think its something people will always disagree about. And there is nothing wrong with seeing both sides of the argument :). Thanks for watching

[@JohnCooper-jl5nt]

Totally brilliant thoughtful film loved it

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you so much John! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@dannysedgwick6119]

A very thoughtful and thought provoking video thank you Matt! It is an incredibly complex debate and one I'm still trying to decide my position on. I also find it fascinating that people were willing to tolerate this mesopredator being so close to them, and yet you would probably find that a large proportion of those people are against the re-introduction of Lynx for example ...

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Danny, glad you think so! Yeah I think with re-introductions its more a case of fear of the unknown rather than the animal itself. A lot of us have grown up with a fox being the most threatening thing (and as you can see you would be very unlucky to be threatened by one). So I do worry people won't know how to co-exist with the Lynx. Though for the record, very excited to have them back one day :D. You raise some good points Danny. Thank you for sharing and for watching!

[@BrentODell]

For me, I think it depends on the animal, and it depends on the bait. As another comment pointed out, we put out feeders for birds in our gardens, and I don't know anyone who takes issue with that. I think, in part, that might be because we perceive that as being 'bird food'. When you contrast that with feeding bread to ducks at the park, which isn't something they would normally eat, I feel like the differences start to show themselves.

[@scottcurrie9439]

Thanks for the video Matt. Love the images and a great experience to get that close. Urbanised foxes are more used to people being around and therefore you can get close enough without feeding from the hand as long as you don't appear threatening. My main concern is that animals become too trusting of people but not all people can be trusted, especially in a city environment. Unfortunately there are many that still see animals such as foxes as vermin or even worse, as a sports object and don't respond so kindly. I'm sure a disturbed family picnic may not always be met with such kindness also. Is it the same as using bird feeders? For me, not really. Bird (squirrel etc) feeders are usually filled and left for them to help themselves and they disappear when you get too close. For me personally, I have no issue with leaving food for some but I would prefer not to make it obvious that It was from me. For those like foxes, I would rather they weren't as trusting to keep them safer. Appreciate the debate not as straight forward and my opinion may vary depending on species and location.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Scott! See this is why I love open conversations about subjects like this. I was thinking the bird feeder argument was almost a trump card, but you raise the very good point that in a lot of circumstances there is still a healthy separation from humans. Of course there could still be other arguments and comparisons about bird feeders and how they relate to examples like this but I think this point you raise is a very thought provoking one. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and for watching!

[@karlotto8727]

Hi Matt, thank you for touching this topic. I think it depends where you are baiting. Out here in Colorado most of the animals are wild and don't want to be close to people. Perhaps that depends on if they are fed well by what they find and what kind of experience they had with people in the past. Baiting will bring wild animals closer to town. That happens anyway because the amount of food black bears for example can find in the wild is getting smaller and smaller due to the drought here since 2000. Watching birds in Colorado I see many more birds around Agriculture compared to the open grassland without it. Corn attracks mice. Mice attracks eagles, owls, and hawks. For all that reason there won't be simple answer to find. I could approach a hawk as close as 15 feet, when I stopped and he was sitting still in front of me. His belly was so full. This made him tame. A week later he took off as close as100 yards, because he was looking for food and I disturbed him doing it. And I'm not the only photographer in town. The fact that photography is totally a public domain raises the your question in your video. Thank you a lot for that.

[@lindafuller6798]

Wonderful video. I live in the US and have photographed foxes on Cape Cod in Massachusetts. I don't bait animals but I know the reason I am able to photograph the foxes is because tourists during the summer season will feed them. It is against the law here. Some feel that feeding will result in the foxes being unable to feed themselves once the tourist season is over. But I find that the foxes still hunt natural food throughout the year. I have seen them carrying birds and voles, etc. I believe they look at the handouts as just another source of food. Again, I don't and won't bait animals but I do have to admit that the positive human interactions the foxes have had with people allow me to photograph them. They are a joy to watch.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Well thats a very interesting point. I actually didnt bait any in this video but was very much aware that those around me were and someone even offered to for me (the footage of which is included). So, is taking advantage of others doing something you may well disagree with make us hypocritical? Big questions with no clear answers really. Though its good to hear they appear to have a balance of tourist and natural food where you are :).

[@lindafuller6798]

@@MattGouldphotography I understand that you didn't bait the foxes in your video; I did note that. As far as being hypocritical, I guess you could say that but I see them as wild animals who have taken advantage of another food source. As you noted in your video, foxes and other animals have adapted to living in urban and suburban places. Not photographing them would not change the behavior of others who do feed them.

[@fenraven]

It's just sad that so much wildlife has had to make peace with humans in order to survive. :( Just yesterday, two alligators were removed from a nearby lake because people were feeding them, despite the signs that said DO NOT FEED WILDLIFE (I live in Florida). They were not photographers. They were idiots. Human interaction with alligators created aggressive alligators, and everyone is then deprived of the joy of seeing them in the wild.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Wow, terrible circumstances to say the least. That's the thing though. How do we educate in a way in which people will actually absorb the information. I mean, that fact they are feeding them leads me to believe they do have the capacity to care for the wildlife. It's just a case of getting that to manifest itself in the right way I guess.sadly I feel we are still far from finding the answer

[@daveconlin669]

As wildlife photographers I think our first responsibility is to promote and protect the welfare of the creatures we photograph. So when considering baiting, for me it comes down to is it a good thing or a bad thing for the animal's welfare? I think general wisdom is that, on balance, it is a bad thing. Baiting just to get a photograph, if there is potential for animal's welfare to be adversely affected, is just wrong headed (don't feed the bears!).

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Dave, thank you for your feedback! This does seem to be the general consensus which is good to hear because it means the animals come first. Thank you for sharing!

[@JeremyNeipp]

Great thoughts especially in the last half of that video! Its sad to see how cancel culture is prevalent with us as wildlife photographers, even though we are supposed to be the ones “inspiring” those to care about wildlife. We are so quick to judge without realizing the process and maturing that is required in everyone to grow to have a deeper understanding of how to care correctly. It’s important to guide via showing through actions rather than getting verbally aggressive

[@sstteeffken]

Amazing video !!

[@Birdmanphotography]

very nice job

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Sean!

[@Dreyno]

I feed badgers at night. I’ve photographed them but the intention was to help them through the drought last year. I left a trail cam to see if they found it and I ended up doing it regularly because the footage was amazing to watch. But I don’t leave enough to replace their natural diet. They still have to forage. I don’t want to have them as pets. Foxes also come but these are properly wild animals. Not urban foxes and badgers. I almost never see the fox apart from the trail camera. I think urban foxes and badgers have already diverged so much from their rural counterparts that it’s hard to know if it’s harmful to feed them or is it a helping hand to an animal that helps them get by in a sub optimal environment. I think people can be too moralising and have very strong opinions about things that are not clear cut. In theory, I don’t think baiting wild animals for photos is right, but are urban wildlife still truly wild? In the end, we can’t truly protect wild animals from human interaction. Probably better it’s a few snacks than a snare or a bullet at the end of the day.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Good Day David! Glad to hear there is a place where badgers are safe. I do think that feeding with an awareness of their natural diet like you do is something that is vital when trying to do so ethically. I think your concluding thoughts do sum things up very well. There are still questions to be asked but given the circumstances we find ourselves in, is it now a case of the lesser of two evils, for want of a better phrase. Thanks for sharing and for watching David!

[@samleslie4110]

brilliant photography

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you so much Sam!

[@tobiasterman]

An interesting video - But so sad to see, that there is no respect for the wildlife and yes it is very wrong to feed wildlife, to get a good photo.

[@joshuadavid6562]

Not to dredge up the conversation on the issues with baiting on an old video but I’m fairly confident that one of the baiters is @RoxytheZoologist, a well known zoologist/influencer who really should know better. Foxes in city centres are easy enough to approach as is without encouraging dependence and even closer contact with an animal with the potential to bite when not fed - imagine the consequences to both the fox and a child in that kind of situation!

[@jonathansmithies]

Good video Matt! I think the key is in the name! WILD-life 😅 In my opinion the wildlife always has to come first. If photography is possible within those parameters, then great… otherwise we need to question why we’re baiting - is it for a love of nature or is it for a love of “likes”? The long term damage caused by baiting is hard to see when all we focus on is the short term gratification of a close up encounter. I think the conservation and protection of wildlife has to come first. The question is what does that look like.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Jonathan! Yes, agreed, the wildlife should always come first. I am curious though, in an increasingly human world do you think the perceptions of what we now call wild will have to change soon. I mean, these foxes are comfortable with human presence but they certainly wouldn't make a good pet :D. I think not looking at the long term is perhaps societies biggest downfall when it comes to nature or climate change even, a very good point well made. Unfortunately, it seems you too have come to the same conclusion as I did, a realisation that we don't yet have the answer. What does it look like indeed...

[@comeraczy2483]

Fantastic video and some great pictures. Thanks a lot for bringing up the subject of baiting. On the topic, I tend to think that the most important question, by far, is the wellbeing of the animals... and the chain of consequences that goes from feeding wildlife to animals suffering and dying . For instance, every time someone baits an animal in public, uninformed bystanders will see it and will be tempted to do it themselves. As a result, birds are fed bread and French fries, and I guess that foxes get fed lots of things they shouldn't eat like chocolate, grapes, and cured meats. All of that is plain revolting and if humanity did care about animals wellbeing, feeding wildlife should be strongly regulated (e.g. banned in public - or at least subject to licenses like fishing - with substantial fines just like for littering). For those who think that this is a bit excessive, please note that more than 96% of the total biomass of all mammals is composed of humans and domesticated animals. The remaining 4% is the weight of all the remaining species of wild mammals; and that 4% is still shrinking very quickly. On private land, particularly away from the public eye, it is a totally different question.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Raczy! Glad to hear you would put the well being of the animal first! I actually am not really against the idea of a public ban on feeding wildlife. But the issue then is how do you explain to people why its happening and where does the money come to pay for it. And what does it do for the image of people who love wildlife, does it not make it seem as if we are more exclusive rather than inclusive and open to more people joining in with what we love? I don't think its an excessive call at all really, but I think it would fall victim to the worlds seemingly fixed attitude towards wildlife already. Some very interesting stats there though. Thank you for sharing and for watching :). Much appreciated!

[@GregSheard]

Very good video mate and certainly creating a good discussion on the subject of baiting. I'm not against it within reason, I certainly wouldn't want the animals to become reliant on the food and lose natural instincts especially in such a public location but if it keeps the population healthy and helps educate people on our wonderful wildlife it can be good. Many of these urban foxes rely on our leftovers and have become so used to people anyway so it's a catch 22, I just hope no one gets hurt and then these wonderful animals become more villanised. Sadly where I life in Scotland, they are shot on sight by the farmers 😢

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Sheard! Glad you enjoyed the video! Yeah I do think you're right to point out that in these circumstances foxes are already well adapted to living in our cities. I guess the wider issue of baiting is trickier. I like to think that we are getting better with learning about not turning on animals like this, though there is still a long way to go of course. Thank you for watching!

[@craigmaisfield3247]

Awesome..

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Craig!

[@Rudy60426]

Nice video Matt, but as you said to what extent is it still permissible to deal with wlid life just for the fun of most people, but still a nice video Matt.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Rudy! Completely agree thats a question that needs answering. Having discussed it with so many I think I have definitely broadened my understanding but am no closer to the answer. Glad you enjoyed the video, thank you for watching!

[@paulm8157]

Impressive images and gentle but concise points made about baiting, Matt. Music choice and tempo perfectly speak of “beauty” and “peril”. “Derelict” gull parent may have been done-in by car herself, no? Natural selection. IMO, extent and result of baiting govern acceptability; animal’s loss of fear of humans can have unintended dangerous outcomes for both man and animal. Park-like setting and casual feeding depicted in vid not a good thing, all-in-all. Dependencies, disease transmission, pet predation tilt the balance. Small kids can lose “respectful distance and natural fear” of dangerous creatures. “Pet the nice doggie.” My neighbors had a bad “run-in” w/a fox that literally “ran into” their kitchen via open door; critter chomped on woman’s apron (she was wearing) and wouldn’t let go. Husband managed to drive it away after almost killing it (fox, not wife, that is 😀) via door jamb crushing. No intended “baiting”, but cat food was involved. True story. As I recall PBS Nature series had an episode about wild critter incursions into urban areas - take-away was situation not good for man or beast. Did you see that episode? Then there’s a guy on YT who nails down a cooked chicken in the woods in front of a camera trap. Go figure. Cheers!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Oooooo gentle but concise! That is the definition I will be trying to stick to in comparable videos in the future :D. Ah luckily the gull parents were both present when filming (can't speak for future days though sadly). And dang, smashed it again with the spot on wording! "extent and result of baiting govern acceptability" Love that! Ahhhh we don't get PBS over here. But urban wildlife is something I have actually done a lot of research into, even a module on it in college actually. I did not know about the guy with the chicken, I imagine it does yield some interesting results Thank you for watching!

[@paulm8157]

@@MattGouldphotography After airing them initially, PBS posts Nature episodes to their web site: www.pbs.org/nature. (Did a quick search there for “foxes” and turned up more than a dozen segments - really amazing animals.) Many of your posts remind me of the series - high quality. Wouldn’t hurt if you contacted them about doing a piece covering urban wildlife - no kidding.

[@daniellowth4511]

There was a very similar scenario on the Isle of Wight, sadly the 7 soon became 1, almost overnight! I'm not sure why but the council I'm sure had something to do with it. Bear in mind foxes are territorial, that patch you were at is prime fox territory now, I imagine a lot of foxes will want a piece of the action and therefore a lot of fighting and potential inbreeding too.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thats sad to hear. You are right of course. Though I think the parents will soon be kicking the fox cubs out, every fox in the video appeared to be the same family. But the fighting over territory could of course be argued as being a natural process and part of nature. Thanks for watching and for sharing your thoughts Daniel!

[@RM-ti8nf]

I love foxes so much 🦊

[@chuckgmanleyphotos7197]

Beautiful images and good narrative covering the baiting/feeding topic. I would highly suggest that the fox in question are not wild animals as they have been habituated by humans. There is a difference in encountering wild animals that are afraid of humans and you are in their home as opposed to what we see in this location. There are negative outcomes for animals in this scenario who stop looking for their typical food (rodents, etc) and are feed. I expect the primary is a larger population (you see it here) with the young taught to engage humans with limited hunting skills. When the humans aren’t there what is their food source. In the US this activity can and does lead to animals being put down. A example of a large animal would be Grizzly Bears in the Grand Teton National Park area where neighboring towns have people who purposely leave food out for them. These large animals are dangerous and do kill humans, the baiting activity places a wild animal sometimes in the garage of a human. Could you image stepping out to get in your car, this encounter would be dangerous. While my example is of a large animal the same occurs for all others just at a reduced scale. Im not a big naturalist with extreme views however my observation is that this occurs with individual humans needs for social media exposure or other. There is a growing view point that one should be left to do whatever they want irrespective of the outcome or impact on the place they are exploiting. In the past 2 years this has become a major issue in US parks. In your latest video (iOctober) you’ve rightfully not shared locations for this reason. Hopefully reason returns

[@brenttomlinson7871]

great video and while the feed or not debate goes on, at least the foxes are not been persecuted and maybe it will make people support wildlife

[@MattGouldphotography]

Oooo very good point Brent, we forget how far we have come at times I guess! Love the positive attitude in all the uncertainty :D Thanks for watching!

[@ThePeggy39]

Kensington Park and Hyde Park in London are discouraging the feeding of wildlife as they are experiencing the dominance of certain species and Creatures are not learning to forage themselves. Another aspect is that the sugary foods , bread etc is not good for animals and changes their behavioural pattern. However, when I have meat/chicken leftovers I can't resist putting it out for the foxes. Some of them are in a terrible state. I have to creep out at dark to do this as my neighbours don't approve.

[@davidcarlier3546]

Verry nice

[@LifeInTheWildPhotography]

I personally do not bait because for me I would not value the easily got pictures any where near as much as getting them truly 'in the wild' :-)

[@MattGouldphotography]

Completely get that. A true wild photo you have worked for is worth way more. Thanks for your feedback and for watching 😊

[@nigeladdecott4235]

An interesting video Matt. I have no problem with feeding these foxes, it's much the same as I have no problem feeding hedgehogs in my garden or birds at my bird table. If we were to stop feeding them they would simply move onto another easy food source e.g. bin bags, which would lead to other people wanting to kill them and treating them as pests. At least in this case and others like it, they are almost protected by the people visiting and admiring them.

[@steveellis9288]

The sad thing is to consider that those who have an evil intent will grab the opportunity to do real harm to these wonderful animals when they have been acclimated to humans. A wild animal which doesn’t fear humans will come to harm it’s inevitable.

[@Birdmanphotography]

After watching this video, I had to think about my own use of food to attack wildlife. I feed birds; I have taking photos of hummingbird at hummingbird feeders. I have been on pelagic trips where bait is used by the hundreds of pounds. I have photograph Elk in the lowlands of North Carolina which is grown to attack the Elk. I also felt that they way the foxes where feed was wrong. To me it looks damages because the foxes could be aggressive too people. Then local government will have to do something which will mean the foxes will be destroy. is this Hypocritical?

[@MattGouldphotography]

Firstly, so glad to hear that you felt comfortable enough to question your own opinions. I think that is something we should all do more often. I can only be healthy in my opinion so explore new angles and information and we may still draw the same conclusion but at least then we are sure as to why. I think your concluding comment is completely valid. And I think if it were another species I would agree 100% however I only agree in part. The reason being that the foxes natural disposition is a curious one but very much one that lives in the shadows and avoids any form of confrontation feeding mainly on bugs and grubs in the wild with the occasional rabbit or bird being hunted. So there may be danger of a bite but I think incredibly rare and most likely the result of mistaking a finger for the food itself rather than the animal lashing out to try and get fed. But as I said, a very good point that is something to be fully aware of within the debate. Thank you for watching and for sharing your thoughts so honestly and constructively

[@Birdmanphotography]

@@MattGouldphotography thanks Sean

[@markdearman8236]

Wow brilliant photography!!! Had foxes in my garden with young ones!! Awesome!!!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Thank you Mark! Chuffed you like the photos!

[@SimonWattsWILDPresentationsUK]

I can see/read that several points of the baiting 'dilemma' 'argument' 'controversy!' that sit with my opinion have already been raised. So lets just say this, we are the new nature or fast-evolving nature - our ever changing habits and lifestyles give undeniable opportunities for so much 'other' nature, conscious or otherwise, that I really cant find, I dont believe there is, ground to protest. The wolves that came to our tit-bits at prehistoric camp fires and then followed the tribe forming bonds was nature, mutually beneficial nature - the fact that we have the most upsetting biologically freakish breeds of dog today because of it aside, this was nature. Animals benefitting from other animals.We are nature - I have never in my life seen a seperation. Just glad for any cascading 'positive' our nature provides the rest of nature. The problem is with sentience people see seperation. I just filmed a Peregrine on my local cathedral spire - baited in with artificial cliff faces after following it's prey which is now so 'baited' it's name includes the word 'feral'. I dont see them and us. I just dont. Great film dude, great great film. Bravo, Si.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Simon! Well... very well worded. I completely agree and have nothing to add. Only to say thank you for sharing your thoughts and for the kind words as always :).

[@StevePorter_au]

People feeding wildlife has become a serious problem in parts of Australia. On Fraser Island, campers feeding the wild dingoes has resulted in them losing their fear of humans, to the point there have been several recent examples of them attacking young children.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Yes, another person from Australia commented saying the same thing, terrible to hear. I think a lot of this appears to be very situational from the international feedback I have received so far. Dependent on the place, how the feeding occurs and the species. Thanks for sharing Steve!

[@theopincemin7597]

Love your videos Matt, the shots of the foxes are incredible. But, as much as feeding these foxes may be a surreal experience in which the foxes are arguably helped through being fed, I don’t think we can quantify baiting large mammals like these for a shot. It can lead to dependence on humans and overconfidence through the generations of cubs, which might not be met so kindly by non-Photographers when foxes begin stealing your food etc. Personally, as much as I envy the ability to take images more quickly without waiting weeks to get a shot, and appreciate the idea of enhancing the relationship between humans and animals, i think there is much greater satisfaction to be had in working with a subject over time, or perhaps showing its elusiveness or shyness through your own photography (if it is difficult to get close to some foxes). Natural behaviour is reflected in the quality of an image in my opinion. The nhm.wpy doesn’t allow images to be baited with good reason I think, not only because it endangers the animal, but also because it deducts from the overall image (although your images do not look baited at all, they have been very artistically and beautifully taken!!!) Thanks for bringing this topic up!

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Theo! I think largely you are right of course. Conversely though I think its worth pointing out that foxes in the UK are well established in cities, regardless of feeding, as they are so opportunistic and are often found in and around bins. Though I completely agree about the satisfaction that comes with taking a photo that took weeks to get! I think you definitely raise good points against baiting, which would be hard to argue with. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and for the kind words :).

[@theopincemin7597]

@@MattGouldphotography thanks for taking the time to reply! Yes I agree, baiting foxes that are already surrounded by humans and are naturally drawn to bins around the city (which is perhaps a form of baiting in itself) is entirely different to feeding wilder animals like bears or lynx for instance, as foxes are already acclimatised to humans and an urban environment. :)

[@dolphintouchmichellepsychi6217]

My way of thinking is we are responsible for so much habitat destruction! Thus less and less food for these beautiful creatures. Look at Australia, the Dingo has been part of Australia for over 10,000 years but they are treated like pests. Foxes and Dingoes are baited here by 1080 poison. All because farmers mainly sheep farmers do not like them... Also now with Kagari Island (Fraser Island) here in QLD. There has been a lot of bad press about the Dingo's due to attacks... But normally these are attacks due to human fault! We are in their home.... It is so sad because these Dingoes normally pay the price of their lives....

[@dolphintouchmichellepsychi6217]

Dingo's here on the mainland of Australia are classified as a pest so are the Foxes... I find this so sad. In some states, you still have government-paying people to bring in skins of killed Dingo.... It's just so sad... I feel if you need to bait (in a good way) to capture the heart of someone that might not give a second thought to saving a fox or a Dingo... Then that's a good thing.... We tend to destroy so much land and habitat of many animals...

[@XtraOrdinar-y]

@@dolphintouchmichellepsychi6217in Australia foxes are definitely a pest. They decimate native wildlife

[@harrison00xXx]

I mean... we are breeding dinosaurs on a daily base.... chickens! In my opinion most people dont even have the right to brag about things like this.... They mostly dont even know how THEY AFFECT WILDLIFE with all their actions. Just a good example: Multiple hunters, mostly the older generation are always annoying me and friends when we are parking (!!!) our cars at nature spots, meanwhile they RALLY with 40mph+ around the ways, making more moise and dust clouds than we even could, sometimes even black exhaust smoke.... and WE, very silently standing, sitting or going around are disturbing the wildlife? We only shoot pictures from animals at a safe distance without disturbing... meanwhile the hunters dont care much about affecting their behaviours, in fact they even love to bait them to the places they want them to to SHOOT THEM..... In my area we had a big population of deers many years ago. Then the new generation of hunters, some even friends TOOK OVER the nature.... driving like crazy idiots, shooting a lot of deers and now.... its nearly impossible to find some! So a question.... who affected wildlife/nature more now?! The wildlife photographer not even baiting animals or the hunter which is nearly a "blood hungry", inhuman creature but still annoying normal, good people? Or Rangers.... they pretend to do good things... in fact most of them DESTROY NATURE with their Mono-Culture.... Wildlife and Nature is for a good reason WILD, not planned.

[@maxencelemoine4190]

not a huge fan of baiting, especially if it changes the behaviour of the animals. But, that's just my opinion. If photographers want to do it, I am no one to judge.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Fair enough Maxence, I don't think you are along by any stretch of the imagination and the changing of the animals behavior does seem to be where a lot of people are drawing the line. Thank you for sharing your thoughts constructively and for watching!

[@maxencelemoine4190]

@@MattGouldphotography by behavior, I meant making them dependant to the food they are given so they only rely on the bait :)

[@droitwichblue]

Wrong? NOT AT ALL! Consider this I have lived in North Shropshire for 27 years. I have NEVER seen or heard a fox in my town. Ever. Occasionally I have heard them a few miles outside the town and once I have seen a fox from my workplace. I have seen the disgusting illegal foxhunters much more often. Make the most of urban foxes and in cities that includes living in harmony. If you photograph them whilst that's happening ..... what is the problem. Reliance argument is nonsence. Bait any wild animal and watch it get distracted regularly by natural food.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Hiya Dave, sorry to hear about your experiences with fox hunters. It really is odd that some of us think so much about nuances when there is stuff like that going on. Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts.

[@Dtaberner]

I liked the video, as always. Maybe as a result of feeding these foxes people will care more about wildlife, but I'm not sold on this idea. What immediately came to mind were the bears of Yellowstone (1 minute video): kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2XWZ3qkebidnbc I agree that people need meaningful interactions with nature, but that can come in quite a variety of ways that don't involve feeding wild animals (hiking, canoeing, bird watching, etc.). The cynical side of me also worries that people are not bating foxes in order to spread awareness about climate change or the mass extinction event caused by our daily lives in consumer societies, but to get likes on Instagram.

[@adamsmith6594]

Lol. You are quite idealistic. Because you are young and inexperienced in how fickle everything is. How do I know without knowing you? You made this vlog and said what you said. The reality is that whilst beautiful it isnt really about baiting in this circumstance. Litter by us has brought these scavenger opertunists into the cities where food is plentiful and where food is plentiful animals always rear more young. Its also warmer with plenty of shelter and this too has caused them to breed differently. So it isnt false or manufactured it is evolution to their habitat that they have masterfully adapted to. They are smart and have adapted. They fell into the wildlife vacuum that our littering and buildings provided. It isnt encroachment into their habitat. These foxes know no different. And the litter will never stop. If it reduces they may dwindle. But along with the litter we have more pidgeons and rats and rodents because of the litter - they'll have plenty to eat. But disease could wipe out many until only the stronge genes are left. More evolution. But the biggest threat to them is the Karen. You'll wake up one day and some Karen will be in the news wailing about how some filthy disease ridden fox dragged her old cat off or climbed in a window and was in her child's cot and then mockrage will run rife on social media until they are all rounded up. Signs put up to fine for feeding them etc. And the idealist in you will die a little. You cannot educate the loons Matt. Because they only care about getting their own way. Ive seen it with feral cats, foxes, pidgeons, magpies, rabbits, badgers the list goes on. The Karen is literally one social media post away from rubbishing the lot sadly. Enjoy it, where you can. You can't educate the plebs, you can't protest against the plebs, you can barely legally take on the plebs. You can only enjoy and share the wonder of it all. Or - move to Canada where animals are first and foremost and if you get busted up by an animal, it was probably your fault and most people know it. But .... you're an idealist 😉 Beautiful beautiful vlog Matt and as always a pleasure to watch. Thank you for sharing.

[@MattGouldphotography]

Ha, I do find it amusing your take away from this was that I was an idealist. Though I also find it slightly disappointing you think in some cases its not worth trying to educate. And as much as Canada does have a substantial pull for me for reasons I am sure you are aware of, I would much rather stay in a place like the UK at the moment to help generate discussions like this. Perhaps an idealistic approach, or one of someone that has come to terms with the state of the world and is just trying to hang on to glimmers of hope. Thanks for sharing your thoughts as always Adam!

[@adamsmith6594]

@@MattGouldphotography Matt I completely understand the need to hang on and educate. But how do you achieve that. Do you mention climate effects on wildlife? Joe public is over it because behind the wailing and experts is a financial cost which everyone knows will end up hitting them and people are bored of it. Not the ones that create utube content or blogs or get wheeled out for Sky news or even those that can be cajoled into signing a clip board in a town. The real silent majority. As shown by how many green MP seats exist. If you delve into activism you will exclude people. We've spoken on this. Adults who've been around the block have no pallete for it. Its immature and regarding wildlife as a whole, fairly ineffectual. So how would you do it without the baggage that turns people off. I guess that's the real question. By being precise, informative, and engaging. You can't educate people Matt because to be honest people already know so much already. People eat meat and love animals. They don't particularly want the blood and guts educated at them. What you can do is share your vlogs and findings and experiences and the knowledge about that animal you are filming (research it 😐 .... more lol), and because of your professional delivery and enthusiasm, that is what will educate people. To enjoy it. To want it for themselves. You need to be a guide to wildlife, not an educator on the fragility of it.

[@buzzbeescraps8839]

Adam, you are entirely entitled to your opinion of course. But I know Matt fairly well. I would never in a million years describe him as an idealist lol. He is a realist through and through! Also, as somebody called Karen, I take offence at your use of my name in your original comment. If a fox killed my cat, I would be upset, but 100% on the foxes side!

[@adamsmith6594]

@@buzzbeescraps8839 well, Karen 😊, hello btw, I'm afraid that you'll just have to be offended by my original post. Thankfully the term Karen in that instance referred to the social use of the name to mean random entitled individuals who believe their outrage carries weight that everyone must accede to. I don't know you so I cannot say if that's a recognisable trait 😊. Either way as you say, I as we all are, am entitled to an opinion particularly when we are engaged to provide one. An idealist he may not be generally but regarding this vlog and its content and message, it most certainly is an idealists stance. But why put it out there and invite "thoughts" or debate if the message is lost in favour of picking tid bits from the comments to be offended about rather than the whole comment which has debated the vlogs message.

[@buzzbeescraps8839]

@@adamsmith6594 I know what a 'Karen' is 😂 I think you missed my point there 🤔 Thank you for correcting yourself and pointing out that you didn't mean Matt himself was an idealist. Not that it matters at all. It just made me laugh when I read it, and so I felt compelled to reply 😂