Wouldn’t it be great if every little-known or underappreciated species could have its own fifteen minutes of fame? In the last year, axolotls— endangered salamanders native to Mexico— have had their time in the spotlight, and it’s no doubt done wonders to focus attention on protecting and conserving them. But did you know that weContinue reading “Tennessee Cave Salamanders”
Tag Archives: endangered species
Tennessee: Salamander Capital of the World
We’re proud to live in such a beautiful, remarkable area teeming with life! Tennessee is home to more salamander species than any other part of the world. Over 60 species of salamander—12% of species on Earth!— are native to Tennessee, with most of those living here in the eastern quarter of the state. The oneContinue reading “Tennessee: Salamander Capital of the World”
The Tennessee Cave Salamander
If we asked you to think of an endangered animal, you’d likely picture something huge and beautiful and majestic. You may even think of an animal that is no longer endangered, like the giant panda or bald eagle. But you probably don’t think of the small, modest endangered animals that live right here in ourContinue reading “The Tennessee Cave Salamander”
Remembering Tennessee’s Bison
When you think of bison, you likely picture giant herds in open prairies in the West. But did you know they bison were once an important part of the landscape of Tennessee, as well? Bison roamed throughout the state, in herds numbering in the thousands, following the same migratory patterns for centuries. The paths theyContinue reading “Remembering Tennessee’s Bison”
The Rare Blue Bobcat
Blue bobcats are also called “Maltese,” a term popularized among cat breeders for blue-grey cats. As with house cats, blue bobcats happen when a bobcat is born with two copies of a gene that causes melanism (black coloration) and also two copies of the dilution gene, which lightens the animal’s fur. Both of these genesContinue reading “The Rare Blue Bobcat”
Tennessee’s Slender Glass Snake
Only a lucky few will see one of these rare creatures within our beautiful state— and most will mistake them for snakes! Slender glass lizards are endangered within the state of Tennessee due to human disturbance of their habitat and the introduction of unnatural predators like outdoor cats. They usually live in open grasslands andContinue reading “Tennessee’s Slender Glass Snake”
The Domesticated Raccoons of Cuba
Early invaders from Spain described a strange animal, farmed and raised by the Taíno people of Cuba. These “mute dogs,” as they were described, were friendly creatures that were small, agile, and extremely intelligent, but didn’t look like normal dogs and didn’t bark or howl. The indigenous people of Cuba raised them as pets andContinue reading “The Domesticated Raccoons of Cuba”
Tennessee’s Snowshoe Hares
Yesterday, Chattanooga— where For Fox Sake is based— did the most stereotypically Southern thing possible. In anticipation of less than half an inch of snow, we cleared out all the milk sandwich ingedients from our local grocery stores, closed schools and businesses, and huddled into our homes expecting the worst. The few flurries that fellContinue reading “Tennessee’s Snowshoe Hares”
Tennessee’s Alligator Snapping Turtles
Did you know that alligator snapping turtles are the only turtle species that carries its own fishing lure? When an alligator snapping turtle opens its mouth and wiggles its pink, worm-like lure, fish come from far and wide and wander straight into the turtle’s mouth. This enormous creature– not to be confused with it’s smallerContinue reading “Tennessee’s Alligator Snapping Turtles”
Why Do You Rescue Vermin?
It’s an understandable question. To someone who’s had their attic destroyed by raccoons or their chickens tormented by foxes, the goals of For Fox Sake can seem unreasonable– or even downright irresponsible. So why rehabilitate animals that aren’t endangered? For Fox Sake handles skunks, foxes, and raccoons, which, in our state, are categorized as rabiesContinue reading “Why Do You Rescue Vermin?”
For Fox Sake Wildlife Rescue 