Sick foxes in Evansville: what to do when you see one

HENDERSON, Ky. (WEHT) – Sick foxes have been reported on the East side of Evansville. Some may wonder what to do if you see a fox outside its habitat.

Several sick foxes

According to David Fisher, owner of Nuisance Wildlife Control in Evansville, he received several calls about sick foxes in the Boeke and Bayard area.

Fisher says that one of these foxes has been caught and is being treated for a severe eye infection, as well as mange.

The American Kennel Club describes mange as a highly contagious skin diseases caused by mites. There are two major types of mange, both caused by different mites. The Indiana DNR says that one in every 20 foxes will have mange.

• Sarcoptic Mange also known as scabies
• Demodectic Mange also known as red mange or demodex

Fishers Business Nuisance Wildlife Control has traps set out for the foxes in this area and is attempting to cat the rest of the sick foxes now.

What to do when you a see a fox

Officials with the Indiana DNR say red foxes don’t require special habitat management, due to their adaptability to human activity. They recommend calling a licensed nuisance wild animal control operator if someone encounters a sick fox or wants one off their property.

David Fisher of Nuisance Wildlife control has stated that he will catch the sick foxes and send them to a wildlife rehabilitation specialist.

Hunting and trapping are legal for red foxes, with certain protections in place for young and baby foxes.

Fisher says to never feed a wild fox. He went on to say that trapping a fox will only work, if the source of food in the trap is scarce. When the foxes are fed by other means, they are less likely to be caught in a trap.

Tips to keep foxes off your property

• Remove food and water around your property that a fox could access
• Keep pet food inside, remove bird feeders and secure garbage and trash
• Pick up fruit left from fruit trees and clean up fruit and vegetables from gardens
• Trim bushes to prevent a fox from hiding in it

Tips for safely viewing a fox

A healthy fox in a person’s yard poses no risk to pets or children, as they eat mostly fruits and vegetables, insects and small rodents.

The best times to try and catch a glimpse of a fox are around dawn and dusk. The Indiana DNR says they can be seen trotting around yards looking for food and burrowing in bushes and shrubs.

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