When a concerned Good Samaritan noticed an unfamiliar animal consistently lingering in their backyard, they became quite anxious.
The creature looked extremely thin, nearly hairless, and in urgent need of assistance. Fortunately, help was on the way.
Rescue Mission
The homeowner quickly began brainstorming ways to capture the mysterious creature and secure its safety.
However, this task proved to be far from simple.
Despite its poor physical condition, the animal exhibited remarkable cleverness, evading every trap the homeowner devised.
But the determined rescuer didn’t give up. After several unsuccessful attempts, they finally managed to trap the elusive animal.
Once the mysterious animal was safely captured, it was taken to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota (WRC).
Following a thorough examination, the Minnesota wildlife team determined that the hairless creature was actually a young fox.
This unfortunate animal was dehydrated, malnourished, and suffered from a severe case of mange, causing him to lose his fur. The staff knew he would require a significant recovery period, but they were committed to his rehabilitation.
“Before arriving at WRC, this young red fox endured weeks of cold, hunger, and discomfort due to the mites infesting his skin, leading to a severe case of mange. He came to our clinic almost completely hairless, with visible ribs and a broken tail that required partial amputation,” the WRC posted on Facebook.
As the fox acclimated to life at the rehabilitation center, the staff quickly discovered how he had evaded capture for so long.
As Clever As A Fox
During his stay, this little fox put the staff’s ingenuity to the test.
Even without his fur, he had plenty of personality. The client wanted to share a video of him outsmarting capture, showcasing just how intelligent he is—something we noticed right away. He certainly kept our staff on their toes as we worked to keep him safe and entertained. His medical care and rehabilitation were generously supported by those who responded to our call for assistance with mange-afflicted foxes. Thank you!
As a month passed, surrounded by love and care, the fox regained his strength and was healthy enough to return to the wild where he truly belonged.
Upon his release, the fox was exuberantly eager to return to his home. The moment the staff opened his crate, he sprang into the air and dashed into the woods.
Before disappearing, he turned back for a fleeting moment to silently express his gratitude to those who cared for him in his time of need.
This heartfelt moment inspired the WRC staff. Although they understand how significant their work is, witnessing such transformations reinforces their dedication to never giving up on vulnerable animals in need.
