New Bedford Guide Your Guide to New Bedford and South Coast, MA
“What does the fox say? ? ‘Please make sure I am truly orphaned before taking action!’
Our first fox kit of the year is here and we’d like to take this opportunity to give everyone some helpful info on what to do when you find a baby fox (or other wild animals) to make sure we aren’t accidentally separating them from their family. Many species of wild canids start to wander from their parents as their eyes open and they start to explore the world.
Most of the time their parents are nearby and are keeping a watchful eye on them but know to stay hidden. Other times babies might get dropped if mom is moving them to a safer location. Unless the baby is visibly injured or in distress, it’s best to observe them to see if their parent will come back and retrieve them. Both mom and dad foxes play an active role in rearing young. You can call your local wildlife rehabber or wildlife hospital for help to assess the situation and setting up a safe spot to attempt a reunite.
<New England Wildlife Center photo.
In this particular case, the finders had heard him crying for a few days before they realized it was a fox kit. They texted us pictures so we could visually assess the baby. The pictures showed that one of the eyes was more sunken and squinted than the other. Due to concerns about dehydration and ocular trauma, the kit was brought in for assessment.
It is also important to avoid direct contact with rabies vector species (RVS) by using gloves and towels when placing babies in carriers. Even very young foxes, coyotes, raccoons, and other RVS can carry rabies so precautions should always be taken and you must never attempt to hand-feed these animals.
On physical exam our veterinary team noted that the kit was moderately dehydrated, indicating the likelihood that it most likely was orphaned and had not had a meal in a few days. An ocular exam also revealed that he had un ulcer on one of his eyes possibly from scratching it in thick brush trying to move around. We administered subcutaneous fluids and eye meds to start the healing process. He was also started on milk replacement formula for nutritional support. T
hough we do believe he is truly orphaned we have asked the finders to keep an eye out for adults or other kits in the area just in case. In the meantime this little guy will be with us for the entire summer as kits spend many months with parents before they are independent.
Our next step is to find him another orphaned fox kit to grow up with and bond to in order to limit the chances of him habituating to humans. If you suspect you have found an orphaned animal please give us a call to see if we can help!”-New England Wildlife Center.
<New England Wildlife Center photo.
