Gray fox hunting, trapping OK'd by Delaware House

House lawmakers in Dover have their sights set on the state wildlife animal, the gray fox.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Dave Wilson, a Bridgeville Republican, authorizes the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control to allow people to hunt and trap the gray fox, and offer permits for the practice as well. The proposed legislation also allows people to possess, buy or sell their pelts.

Lawmakers voted in favor of the bill, 31 to 8 with two no votes. Two amendments, one limiting the ability to hunt the animal and the other prohibiting the sale and purchase of their pelts, failed.

Wilson said on the House floor that lawmakers "need to protect the innocent" by allowing the hunting of the state's animal. The proposed bill also allows poultry owners to kill foxes that were attacking their livestock.

The gray fox is indigenous to Delaware and is believed to be between 7 and 10 million years old. It is capable of running up to 28 mph and is the only member of the canid family that is able to climb trees, according to the state's website.

The gray fox was named the state's animal in 2010 after fourth-grade students at Joseph M. McVey Elementary School, as part of a persuasive writing class, suggested that the animal be designated as Delaware's official state wildlife animal.

The students argued that because the fox does not hibernate, it is "always ready like our soldiers at Dover Air Force Base."

The bill now heads to the Senate.

Contact Jon Offredo at (302) 678-4271 or at joffredo@delawareonline.com or on Twitter @jonoffredo.