If you’re lucky, you may spot a wild “puppy” of some kind in the wild one day. I’m the first few weeks of life, wild coyote pups, fox kits, and raccoon kits can look very similar and sometimes lack the very distinct traits that make adults fairly easy to tell apart. All four of theseContinue reading “What kind of wild puppy did I find?”
Tag Archives: raccoons
Live-Trapping Nuisance Raccoons Means Killing Them
For raccoons in Tennessee, live trapping is a death sentence.
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”
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?”
Raccoons cover their eyes to hide… because they’re geniuses!
Raccoons usually cover their eyes when they’re scared and trying to hide. This may not seem like a particularly intelligent behavior, but it may be a sign that they’re among the smartest animals on Earth. Small children often exhibit this same behavior, “hiding” by covering only their eyes . When scientists studied this tendency inContinue reading “Raccoons cover their eyes to hide… because they’re geniuses!”
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”
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”
Why Do Rehabilitated Animals Have Ear Tags?
A lot of people are uncomfortable when they see ear tags on the animals here at For Fox Sake. And, believe me, I understand why. Animals in rehabilitation are not pets or livestock; they are meant to return to the wild one day. And it would be horrible to cause unnecessary pain to an animal.Continue reading “Why Do Rehabilitated Animals Have Ear Tags?”
Found A Baby Raccoon? Don’t Touch!
Every year, wildlife rehabilitators, game wardens, and veterinarians are forced to euthanize hundreds of healthy raccoons. In most parts of the country, raccoons are considered rabies vector species. This does not mean that it is likely that they have rabies; only that they are at a greater risk than, say, a rabbit or goat. BecauseContinue reading “Found A Baby Raccoon? Don’t Touch!”
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”
For Fox Sake Wildlife Rescue 