REHAB STORIES: GRAY FOX PATIENT HIGHLIGHTS

Gray Foxes #23-2672, #23-2951, and #23-3423

During baby season, our typical intake consists of orphaned Virginia opossums, raccoons, birds, and gray squirrels. This season we were surprised to have three fox kits admitted to our hospital within one month of each other.

First female was transported on May 8th when a concerned citizen spotted the kit on the side of the Hollywood Turnpike alone. An intake exam revealed the orphan was suffering from a bilateral ear infection. There were also multiple abrasions on the head, neck, and back. Despite the poor shape the baby was in, the fox remained alert and mobile.

Ten days later, a second orphan was brought to our center from a similar area where the first female was found. This kit had a severe flea and tick infestation that required medicated baths and tick removal by the clinic staff. Fortunately, this patient had no major wounds or injuries. After a lengthy evaluation process, the two fox kits were deemed healthy and stable for introduction to each other and to be moved to one of our outdoor nursery habitats. This space is vital for these kits, as they continue to grow and develop in a more natural habitat.

On June 6th, a third fox kit was reported after Cooper City residents discovered the baby entangled in their soccer net. Staff quickly responded to the call to free the kit and transported her back to the hospital for a thorough exam by the clinic staff. Although she had older wounds on her head that had started to heal, no constriction injuries were present from the net. After undergoing treatment to clean the old injuries, SFWC Rescue & Release Team transported the fox back to the area to attempt a reintroduction with her family. Unfortunately, their efforts to reunite them were unsuccessful.

These three foxes are currently in our outdoor Fox Habitat where they are honing skills that will allow them to be successful in the wild.

Did you know? There are over 30 species of foxes and all of them have things that make each one of them unique. The Gray Fox is no exception. Gray foxes have different colorations than red foxes and desert foxes, and they prefer to live in regions that have more trees and brush. The Gray fox is common throughout most of North America. With sharp claws and strong legs, gray foxes are adept at scaling vertical surfaces, making them excellent tree-dwellers. Their diverse diet includes small mammals, birds, fruits, and insects. These intelligent and adaptable hunters thrive in various habitats, from forests to urban areas. Gray foxes live much longer in the wild than other foxes, usually up to about 12-16 years, and can live up to 20 years in captivity with the right care and environment. Their survival in the wild is due in part to their stealthiness and ability to hide from predators as well as their solitary behavior that keeps them from most human populations.