Editor’s Note: The gopher tortoise previously highlighted in the CROW CAW (Case A Week) series has been replaced with this case about a rare red fox that returned to the wild. The series tells the stories of the patients at the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Sanibel Island, the dangers they face, and how we can help protect all of our wildlife. Read previous cases here.
At the beginning of August, a rare red fox was admitted to CROW in critical condition. The fox (patient 25-3471) was found trapped at a construction site and had a severe level of sarcoptic mange.
Sarcoptic mange is a debilitating skin disease caused by parasitic mites, requiring intensive and long-term treatment. The parasites left her with inflamed and crusted skin, extreme hair loss, and poor body condition.
Mange is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted to humans; in humans, the condition is called scabies. CROW’s hospital team had to wear full-body protective gear when treating the fox, including gowns, shoe covers, and gloves. The fox received fluids, multiple doses of treatment for the mange, and supportive care throughout her stay.
Over the following weeks, the fox’s condition improved dramatically, especially once she tested negative for mange. Her inflamed skin healed, allowing her fur to grow back. Her muscle tone and body condition improved as she was provided with two large, nutritious meals each day. She was vaccinated against distemper, rabies, and other common illnesses.
Once she was approved for release, the fox received medication for flea and tick prevention. At the end of September, CROW’s hospital team released her into a forested nature preserve out in Lehigh Acres.
CROW releases the red fox into a forested nature preserve in Lehigh Acres.
There are two fox species in Florida – the more common grey fox (aka the tree fox – they’re the only North American canine that can climb), and the rarer red fox. Although both species are now considered native, the red fox is a naturalized species in Florida. This means they have adapted and expanded their range across the state on their own.
Grey foxes are often mistaken for red foxes, as they tend to have a rusty tinge to their fur. The easiest way to distinguish the two species is by their tails – red foxes have white tipped tails, while grey foxes have black tipped tails.