In reponse to the pest controller's letter (The Argus, February 25), probably more than any other British mammal, the fox suffers through a misunderstanding of its way of life.

Foxes do not keep breeding to create an exploding population as the letter suggests.

The fox population is held in natural balance by the foxes own system of spacing themselves in family territories.

Vixens and yearling vixens play a very important role in foxes' reproductive patterns and research has proved shooting foxes does not decrease their numbers.

Feeding foxes does not encourage them to breed in ever-increasing numbers either.

Although the availability of food plays a part in the size of fox territories, other factors such as security and safety come into it.

Where a lot food is available, territories are often smaller.

Foxes may be hosts to roundworm but let's not forget our pet dogs and cats are also hosts to unpleasant illnesses which can be passed to humans - particularly children.

As for Weil's disease, rats are the main carrier.

The pest controller says he has enormous respect for the fox. If this is so, please stop misrepresenting it.

The best way he can treat the fox with sensitivity and in a humane manner, which is what he suggests he wishes to do, is for him to leave well alone.

-Gloria Wheatcroft, Co-ordinator Inner City Wildlife Concern, Hove