Foxes

Unless you know for sure that the mother and father have been killed or disappeared, it is better to observe the situation. Both parents will mind the babies, and as long as the babies are not still nursing, young foxes can grow up with only their fathers to care for them. Foxes have more than one den site and often move the kits around. Foxes are very sensitive to scent. If a kit becomes separated from the adult, the adult will return to get it if it does not have human scent on it, and humans are not close. Leave the kit alone to give the parent a chance to retrieve it undisturbed. Use gloves if the kit must be moved out of harm’s way. Return periodically to assess the situation. If the parent has not retrieved the kit in two hours, call the Helpline.

The public should not handle adult foxes. They can be dangerous and they carry numerous parasites and diseases. Contact the Helpline if the fox is acting in an unusual manner. NOTE: Foxes are susceptible to sarcoptic mange, the skin mite condition which dogs can also have. Symptoms are sometimes confused with rabies. The fox will be miserable and itching, may have patchy fur, and may be starving to death or acting unusual. Mange is treatablePlease call the Helpline.