Red foxes prefer the borders of forested areas and adjacent open lands, avoiding dense and extensive forests. During most of the year, red foxes sleep on the ground in a convenient, sheltered spot. During the breeding season, though, they provide a den for the young.

If you see a wild canid that looks ill, has sparse fur with crusty eyes and/or ears:
We regularly get calls about fox with mange, which is a mite infestation. In addition to the above symptoms, they might also have superficial wounds on their legs or hips where the skin has become thin and they may have limited eyesight or look like they are squinting from crusted over eyes. These animals need to be brought in for care and we have a live trap rental program. In care, they receive a course of anti parasitic medication and we create a custom care plan for their other injuries.

Seeing a fox out during the daytime does not always mean that the animal is ill, particularly during the spring and summer when a mother coyote might venture out for food during the day while caring for young.

Contact the Wildlife Rescue Center at (636) 394-1880 for instruction on any situation not covered by the preceding information.