A fox was brought in for urgent treatment after a bystander realized it was in distress.
Here's what to know
In an Instagram post, the Wildlife Aid Foundation (@wildlifeaid) described a fox rescue and how vets discovered that the animal had wounds to its ears, rump, and tail along with "a painful case of mange." Wildlife Aid said the vixen had been "found by a kind member of the public, weak and in pain," before being taken for care.
According to the rescue team, the care began with cleaning and disinfecting the injuries plus treatment for the mange.
"As our vets began to examine her, the full extent of her suffering became clear," the organization wrote.
Wild animals can still move through neighborhoods even when they are seriously unwell. A fox may seem simply tired or skittish when it is actually suffering from multiple injuries and a skin condition.
Why is this important?
As urbanization continues to displace animals from their homes, human-wildlife interactions will also rise. Knowing how to react and who to call is important. This fox is still alive because someone recognized that it needed help and took action.
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For many communities, foxes are a familiar sight, which can make it easy to miss signs that one is in trouble. But familiarity does not mean safety, especially when an animal is living with untreated wounds.
Mange can signal that an animal is in wider physical distress, and it can be fatal. Visible weakness, hair loss, or obvious wounds indicate wildlife needs professional care.
"It was clear she had been suffering for quite some time," the caption stated.
What can I do?
If you see a wild animal in pain, do not try to manage the situation on your own. Keep pets away and give it space. Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or rescue group that can provide care so that its health can be restored and the animal can get a second chance.
You can also show support for recovery and rescue centers through donations, volunteering, or even sharing posts to raise community awareness.
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