ForFoxSake

Grey Foxes on the Decline

Three hundred years ago, grey foxes were much more common throughout the U.S. than wolves, coyotes, or red foxes. That’s because we had more old-growth forests and these beautiful animals thrive in areas with large, knobby trees with hollow openings, which are their preferred dens. They also use trees for climbing and hunting. That’s right:Continue reading “Grey Foxes on the Decline”

Predators Aren’t Evil

We don’t call rabbits cruel when they eat clovers. We don’t call squirrels cruel when they eat acorns. We don’t call our children cruel when they eat cereal, or even call our dogs cruel when they eat beef bones. Yet predators, in nature, get a bad reputation. I have seen people who consider themselves toContinue reading “Predators Aren’t Evil”

Why Do Skunks Smell Like Weed?

I am a big fan of the furry type of skunk, personally. As a licensed skunk rehabilitator, I transport these amazing creatures frequently in my car and have been sprayed a few times while rescuing upset animals. The resemblance between skunk musk and marijuana has, unfortunately, led to some awkward encounters. “Yes, sir, I doContinue reading “Why Do Skunks Smell Like Weed?”

Why Won’t Rehabbers Answer Me?

It’s terrifying to have a wild animal in need of help, but to be unable to reach someone who can provide the care it needs. It’s no wonder that people sometimes get frustrated and even infuriated with wildlife rehabilitators, who might take hours or even days to return a phone call. Many people envision wildlifeContinue reading “Why Won’t Rehabbers Answer Me?”

Is It Bad To Feed Raccoons?

I would never be upset with anyone who is trying to help wildlife. I love Tennessee’s native wildlife so much that I’m dedicating my life to protecting them. If you follow For Fox Sake, you obviously care, too. For many wildlife lovers, feeding raccoons and other animals seems like a great way to give yourContinue reading “Is It Bad To Feed Raccoons?”

The Silver Fox is a Red Fox

If you’re lucky, you might spot one of these beautiful creatures in the wild one day, including right here in Tennessee. Although often mistaken for an exotic pet or the distantly related grey fox, this animal is actually the exact same species as the familiar red fox. Like a black cat or panther, a silverContinue reading “The Silver Fox is a Red Fox”

The Puma: Tennessee’s Most Endangered Mammal

I was a teenager in 2004 when I spotted the tracks, in a summer-dried creekbed not far from my family’s home in small-town West Tennessee. I examined them over and over again, first by memory and then with my worn-out field guides, confirming without a doubt that they came from a puma. The puma— alsoContinue reading “The Puma: Tennessee’s Most Endangered Mammal”

Found a Baby Bird? Don’t Feed It!

Found a baby bird on the ground? Your first impulse is probably to feed it, especially if it’s gaping and crying out in hunger. But this is one of the worst things you can do. Feeding a baby that is dehydrated or hypothermic can make it extremely sick. So can incorrect foods for its ageContinue reading “Found a Baby Bird? Don’t Feed It!”

Can I Relocate a Raccoon?

Although regulations vary from state to state, Tennessee law forbids people from trapping raccoons and releasing them anywhere besides the property where they were found. This is because, even if a raccoon appears healthy, it may be carrying a disease such as rabies or canine distemper. When the raccoon is moved to another area, itContinue reading “Can I Relocate a Raccoon?”

The Stink-Goddess Skunk

The ancient Samnites did not know about skunks, but they did know about the balance of the natural world. It’s fitting that their goddess of foul smells was not evil, but was also a symbol of love, devotion, motherhood, and strength. Scientists made the right decision in naming the striped skunk— which was valued inContinue reading “The Stink-Goddess Skunk”