Last August, the folks at Raven Ridge Wildlife Center (RRWC) received a call that sent them rushing into action. A local resident reported that an “elusive creature” had been roaming their neighborhood for weeks, and she appeared to be extremely sick.
“The finders, Dee and several of her neighbors, noticed that the fox was thin and showed signs of mange,” RRWC wrote on Facebook.
Facebook/Raven Ridge Wildlife Center
After noticing her troubling skin condition, Dee and her neighbors spent weeks trying to capture the fox, to no avail. After multiple failed attempts, they were finally able to corner her — and that’s when they called RRWC for assistance.
Facebook/Raven Ridge Wildlife Center
Although wild foxes aren’t usually a cause for concern in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the neighbors could see, even from a distance, that this particular girl was unwell. When RRWC rescuers arrived to pick up the fox, they confirmed the homeowners’ suspicions.
“Upon examination, we discovered that the fox was in worse condition than we had anticipated,” RRWC wrote. “While we hoped for a full recovery, our team understood that her rehabilitation would be lengthy and crucial.”
Facebook/Raven Ridge Wildlife Center
The fox was sadly covered in mange — a condition that she would not have been able to overcome on her own in the wild.
“The best course of action for a fox suffering from mange is to trap the animal and bring it to a rehabilitator for proper treatment,” RRWC wrote in a Facebook comment. “Another concern with mange is the need for additional medical care, including treatment for open sores, pain management, antibiotics and addressing issues such as emaciation and dehydration.”
At RRWC, the fox would also be sheltered in a safe environment, away from the elements, to help her fur regrow.
You can see more pictures of the fox’s recovery here:
The fox spent the next few weeks at RRWC’s headquarters getting the treatment she so desperately needed. The team monitored her closely, adjusting her environment frequently to ensure she was as comfortable as possible.
Then, after seven weeks of care, the fox was finally healthy enough to return to the wild — and the staff members had never seen her happier.
“This fox displayed a unique personality throughout her rehabilitation, and it was evident on the day of her release,” RRWC wrote.
Facebook/Raven Ridge Wildlife Center
The fox leapt out of her crate with glee, feeling better than ever. She pranced around her old stomping ground for a few minutes before turning back and smiling at her rescuers.
With one more happy blink, the fox said goodbye to her caregivers and trotted back home.
Facebook/Raven Ridge Wildlife Center
The folks at RRWC were concerned for the fox when they first rescued her, hoping to see her make a full recovery. And it was only when they watched her run excitedly back home that they all let out a deep sigh of relief. After many uncertain nights, their work with this little fox was finally done.
“Trapping foxes with mange to provide them with treatment is challenging and requires patience and constant monitoring,” RRWC wrote. “Thanks to the dedication of many individuals, this fox was given a second chance at life.”
To help wildlife like this fox get the care they need, you can donate to Raven Ridge Wildlife Center here.
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