I dedicate my life to caring for Tennessee’s native wildlife, and specialize in foxes, skunks, and raccoons, but unfortunately, there are hard limits on which animals I am allowed to save. In Tennessee, a fox, skunk, or raccoon can not be accepted for rehabilitation if it is over six months of age. This is becauseContinue reading “On Following the Law, Even When it Hurts”
Tag Archives: foxes
Grey Fox or Coyote Pup?
Grey foxes are sometimes killed because of a case of mistaken identity. This shy and elusive animal may look similar to a coyote pup at first glance, but can be distinguished by its very long tail with a black tip, its orange ears, and a black stripe that runs down most of its body. TheyContinue reading “Grey Fox or Coyote Pup?”
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.””
Don’t Kidnap Fox Kits!
Red fox parents work around the clock to find food for themselves and their kits. Because of this, a litter of fox kits might be left alone for several hours at a time while their parents are away. If you find a baby fox, or a whole litter of them, the best way to helpContinue reading “Don’t Kidnap Fox Kits!”
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”
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”
Tennessee’s White Foxes
Few are lucky enough to spot a white fox in the wild here in the Southern U.S., but it does happen! I had the privilege of seeing one of these rare beauties in Northeast Alabama in 2008. Contrary to popular belief, a white fox in the Southern U.S. is not necessarily an escaped pet orContinue reading “Tennessee’s White Foxes”
Foxes are Bad Pets
The desire to own a fox as a pet is understandable, but the capture, breeding, and selling of pet foxes isn’t fair to them. With the exception of domesticated Siberian silver foxes, which are not sold in the United States, foxes are wild animals with wild instincts and can not thrive as pets. If youContinue reading “Foxes are Bad Pets”
Grey Fox or Coyote?
Grey foxes are sometimes killed because of a case of mistaken identity. This shy and elusive animal may look similar to a coyote pup at first glance, but can be distinguished by its very long tail with a black tip, its orange ears, and a black stripe that runs down most of its body. TheyContinue reading “Grey Fox or Coyote?”
For Fox Sake Wildlife Rescue 