Challenges They Face...
MANGE
Mange is a skin condition caused by microscopic mites that burrow into an animal’s skin, leading to intense itching, hair loss, and thickened or crusty skin. In wildlife, especially foxes and coyotes, it can progress quickly and make it difficult for the animal to hunt, stay warm, or avoid danger. Early signs often include patchy fur loss, excessive scratching, and a thin appearance .
Animals suffering from mange are also frequently seen out during the daytime. This does not mean they are rabid. In many cases, they are simply trying to regulate their body temperature because the condition leaves them unable to stay warm effectively they will seek out black top, mulch beds etc. In addition, mange can affect their eyesight, which may cause them to appear disoriented or unusually unafraid of people—when in reality, they are sick, weakened, and struggling to survive.
If you see an animal showing any of these early signs, please call right away rather than waiting. Mange is highly treatable once the animal is brought into rehabilitation, where it can receive proper medication, nutrition, and a safe environment to recover. With timely intervention, many animals make a full recovery and are successfully returned to the wild.
RODENTICIDES & MANGE:
A Dangerous Combination
Rodenticides don’t always stop with the rodents they are intended to kill. Foxes, coyotes, owls, hawks, and other predators can be exposed when they consume poisoned prey.
A healthy fox may sometimes be able to keep mange mites in check through its own immune defenses. But a fox that is already weakened by poor nutrition, disease, environmental stressors, or exposure to rodenticides may not have the same ability to fight the infestation. When toxins are already burdening the animal’s body, mange can gain the upper hand and progress from a relatively minor infestation to a debilitating and potentially life-threatening condition.
This is one more reason why choosing wildlife-safe methods of rodent control matters. What we put into the food chain can affect far more than the animal it was intended for.
*This fox was treated for mange, and prior to his capture this picture was taken of him sitting right on top of a rodenticide box.
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HOW can you help?
There are so many ways to make a difference! Donate, shop our Amazon Wish List, send much-needed supplies, or simply help spread the word. Every act of kindness helps us provide food, medical care, shelter, and rehabilitation to wildlife in need.
Together, we can give them a second chance at life in the wild.
