The end of 2016 has brought an outbreak of mange among our local foxes, particularly focused around the Park Point neighborhood in Duluth. Red foxes are particularly susceptible to mange, a parasitic infestation that causes hair loss, intense discomfort, and leads to many secondary issues that will cause death if left untreated. We need a 1,200 square foot enclosure to make sure all the foxes admitted to our facility have a comfortable area to recover. The area we currently have is far too small for the number of foxes we have been seeing. Will you donate to our Fox Healing Area fund?
Some facts about mange
- Sarcoptic scabiei, the parasite that causes mange, is also known as scabies
- It is a host-adapted species. That is, if a mite finds its way from your dog to you, it can bite and cause some discomfort, but it can’t reproduce and continue the cycle. A mite transferred from a fox to your dog, however, will generally multiply and cause full-blown mange
- Overpopulation and poor nutrition are contributing factors to mange outbreaks. Citizens can help guard against this by not feeding wild animals.
- Because the discomfort from the burrowing mites is so intense, animals can lose interest or ability in hunting or finding food, leading to starvation, a further compromised immune system, and eventually death
- Mange medication should only be prescribed and administered by trained professionals
 Mange causes thick scabs to form on the skin, hair loss, and swelling around the eyes |
 This fox requires eye medications to manage a secondary symptom of mange |
 After a few weeks of medication and care, the fox is looking much better, and will soon be ready for release |