Helping Sick Foxes

Emergency

If you find a fox which is sick or injured, please do not take it home to look after it yourself. Wild animals do not necessarily have the same needs as domestic pets.

Urgently contact a reputable wildlife rescue group. I strongly recommend keeping the relevant telephone numbers on your mobile phone - many rescues are roadside, rather than at home.

In Britain:

Fox Project 07778 909092

Wildlife Aid 09061 800 132

www.rspca.org.uk 0870 55 55 999

The British Wildlife Helpline has a comprehensive list of rescue organisations throughout the country that can be found here.

In Canada:

Wildlife Ontario provide advice on caring for wildlife in the Ottawa / Carleton area.

Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation

In the US:

Please contact your local branch of the Humane Society of the United States.

Always remember:

The fox does not understand that you are trying to help

Stroking and talking to a wild animal will terrify it, not reassure it

A frightened or cornered animal may bite in perceived self-defence

 

Mange

What is it?

Mange is the fox form of scabies. It is caused by a mite infestation and results in severe itching, fur loss and sometimes infections. If left untreated, it can cause hypothermia and put the fox at risk through hampering its hunting ability. Indirectly, it is often fatal.

Mange was introduced into North America by officials seeking to kill wolves. I have been unable to discover its origin in the UK or Europe.

Mange Mythology

There are several groups which promote homeopathic remedies for mange. I emphatically do not recommend going this route. There is no evidence that homeopathy in itself offers any medical benefit.

I did try attempt to treat one of my foxes with the homeopathic remedy, and his condition continued to rapidly deteriorate. He would probably have died had I not switched to conventional medicine. Cures put down to homeopathy are likely due to other factors - extra care in captivity, for example.

A fox with mange does not usually pose a risk to dogs; none of my pets have ever contracted it, despite sharing the garden with several sick foxes.

Detecting Mange

A fox with severe mange will have crusts on its face, noticeable bare patches on its body, and possibly a limp caused by the pain in the skin over the hips. But the onset of mange is difficult to distinguish from annual moulting. If in doubt, please call one of the groups at the top of page for advice.

Treating Mange

Fortunately, mange is easy to treat properly. There are two options:

  • Treatment in the wild - this requires several doses of ivermectin in baited food. There is some concern about feeding this medicine to lactating vixens so please take professional advice before attempting it. It also requires a fox who is a regular visitor to a garden. However, all being well, this is the least disruptive and stressful way of treating a wild animal - "at home" in its own territory.

  • Treatment in a wildlife hospital - though more expensive, this is a better option for unpredictable, nervous foxes who cannot be given baited food. Obviously, capturing and treating foxes is a stressful exercise and should not be attempted without the support of an experienced and reputable wildlife rescuer.

The garden foxes have been successfully treated for mange through both methods. This is a short video clip of the Survivor Vixen returning to the wild in 2006 after a stay in a wildlife hospital. Freedom heyday!

 

Fox-Friendly Living

Many aspects of modern human living put foxes at risk of premature death or injury. However, a little effort can make life easier for our wild neighbours.

  • Think wildlife, drive carefully - the car is one of the biggest fox killers.

  • Reduce consumption of meat products - the livestock industry is a huge threat to the welfare and conservation of foxes, wolves, and other wild carnivores.

  • Dispose of litter responsibly - plastic, broken glass and bottles all pose a risk to wildlife

  • Supervise pets - cats occasionally attack foxes and routinely cause unnecessary harm to other wildlife. The unsupervised cat is a danger to wildlife, and in danger itself from outdoor hazards.

  • Have a wildlife-friendly garden - plant native flowers and shrubs, have a log pile, and avoid using pesticides and slug pellets

  • Speak out! - write polite but firm responses to anti-fox articles in the press

  • Use your vote - be sure to ask your local candidates how important conservation and animal welfare are to them, and what meaningful action they would be taking in this area if elected

  • Volunteer - ask your local wildlife rescue group if they require any assistance

 

All photos, text and other content © Adele Brand (www.thesittingfox.co.uk) 2006 - 2011. Inspired by stuff found at www.webcodingtech.com.