Beware of Fox with 'Mange' Around Bordentown Says Township Police

BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP, NJ – Bordentown area residents are urged to be on the lookout and to stay away from a fox believed to be infected with “mange," which is a skin disease caused by mites.

According to information released by the Bordentown Township Police Department (BTPD), a fox is believed to be in the Charles Bossert Development. They believe it also has been seen in the Thornton Lane, Hinkle Drive, and Eaton Road areas of the community.

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Mange, which is more often found in wildlife, can cause hair loss and infection with secondary respiratory infections. The bacteria is the largest killer of foxes and coyotes in New Jersey, according to the State Division of Fish and Wildlife.

The BTPD say that the mange infection can cause the infected animal to lose their sense of sight or small which makes them appear friendly and unafraid of humans.

Anyone who sees the fox around the Bordentown area, should contact the Animal Control Office at (609) 298-4300 x 2123.  Should the fox appear to be debilitated, call the BTPD non-emergency phone number (609) 267-8300

The BTPD reminds residents not to attempt to trap or catch the fox on their own.  If a pattern of his movement is determined from reports, then an animal control officer can attempt to trap it and bring it to be treated at a wildlife center.

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In household pets, mange is called scabes, according to the Animal Humane Society. They say that m ange is most common in dogs, but may affect cats, wildlife, or humans. The parasite is contracted after contact with another animal who is infested, or around a contaminated environment.

For more information about foxes in wildlife in New Jersey visit the NJ Department of Environmental Protection online.

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