A peaceful end for suffering wildlife

Some wildlife rescues choose not to share stories about animals that can’t be saved, because they don’t want to upset the public. While I respect that, I believe there’s bittersweet beauty in all we do, even in the cases that end in death. The reality is that most of the calls I’ve received this yearContinue reading “A peaceful end for suffering wildlife”

Tennessee’s Endangered Eastern Spotted Skunk

The Eastern spotted skunk, native to our region, has lost up to 99% of its population in the last seventy years. It is likely completely extinct through most of its natural range— including the region of Tennessee where For Fox Sake operates— and it could be completely extinct in the wild within a decade. AndContinue reading “Tennessee’s Endangered Eastern Spotted Skunk”

Dealing with Zombie Raccoons

Zombie raccoons aren’t rare. You may see a raccoon that is staggering, grunting, standing on its hind legs, and periodically collapsing into an unresponsive coma. It may even have glowing green eyes that appear blind. It looks terrifying, but there’s no need to hoard canned food and ammo. This “zombie syndrome” is caused by canineContinue reading “Dealing with Zombie Raccoons”

Don’t Befriend Raccoons

It’s not uncommon for people to attempt to befriend wildlife. They start by leaving food on their steps, then offering food by hand, then eventually petting and even holding the animal. It sounds like a magical experience, but this temporarily rewarding moment can be a death sentence for the animal. Raccoons in particular are atContinue reading “Don’t Befriend Raccoons”

Sick. Not “Friendly.”

Pretty much everyone wishes they could befriend a wild animal. It’s not at all uncommon for people to be excited when a wild fox or raccoon seems to randomly approach them without fear. It’s human nature to project that the animal is seeking comfort or companionship, and to fantasize about being able to provide exactlyContinue reading “Sick. Not “Friendly.””

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?”

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?”

I Found a Rabid Raccoon! Help!

“Help! I found a rabid raccoon!” This is one of the most frequent— and panicked— calls we receive in wildlife rehabilitation. If it happens to you, here’s what to do: -First, stay calm. The animal probably isn’t actually rabid. Raccoons can be awake in the daytime for any number of reasons. If it looks healthy,Continue reading “I Found a Rabid Raccoon! Help!”

Can Raccoons Eat With Cats?

You may think it’s charming or cute if a raccoon starts frequenting your pet’s dish, but images like this are terrifying. Outdoor-roaming cats typically live short and often brutal lives, partially because they will often have encounters like these. In general, a wild raccoon poses little threat to a cat or dog, but— like anyContinue reading “Can Raccoons Eat With Cats?”

Canine Distemper Decimates Wildlife

Canine distemper originated in North American domestic dogs in the late 1800s. Ever since, this deadly family of viruses has spread like wildfire through wild foxes, wolves, coyotes— and even unrelated animals like lions, bears, skunks, and raccoons. Many animals, like the Ethiopian wolf and Amur leopard, are now facing imminent extinction due to distemperContinue reading “Canine Distemper Decimates Wildlife”