Fox Rescue: Healing & Recovery at Animal Rescue Team
Camden County, New Jersey – A South Jersey rescue team is providing critical care and transport for foxes afflicted with mange and other injuries, a growing effort that highlights the challenges of wildlife rehabilitation in the state. ‘An Itch in Time – Mangy Fox Rescue,’ led by Luke Ogden, has responded to nearly 100 cases since its inception, working to get sick and injured foxes into the hands of permitted wildlife rehabilitators.
The team’s work began when Ogden, while employed by a tree service, encountered a fox suffering from sarcoptic mange – a highly contagious skin disease caused by mites. Recognizing the animal’s distress and the limited options for specialized care, he initiated the rescue operation. Now, ‘An Itch in Time’ focuses on trapping and transporting foxes to facilities like Wildlife Aid Inc. And Cooper’s Fox Den, with the ultimate goal of releasing them back into their original habitats.
But, the rescue and treatment of foxes with mange is subject to strict regulations in New Jersey. According to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), possessing wildlife without a permit is illegal. Injured or ill animals must be taken directly to a licensed rehabilitator, and individuals without the appropriate permits are prohibited from providing care. The NJDEP urges the public not to provide food or medication to foxes, emphasizing their status as wild animals and discouraging attempts to treat them as pets.
The red fox is identified as a rabies vector species (RVS) in New Jersey, adding another layer of complexity to rescue efforts. The NJDEP recommends that anyone working closely with foxes receive the rabies pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) vaccine. This precaution underscores the potential health risks associated with handling wild animals and the importance of professional intervention.
Individuals interested in supporting ‘An Itch in Time – Mangy Fox Rescue’ can find information on their Facebook page. The NJDEP also offers opportunities for broader involvement in wildlife conservation through the Wildlife Conservation Corps (WCC), which provides capture and transport training at Red Creek Wildlife Center in Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania.
Fox Tale Sanctuary, a separate organization, also focuses on fox welfare, offering a sponsorship program and accepting surrendered foxes from owners who are no longer able to care for them. Michelle, the founder of Fox Tale Sanctuary, has long been dedicated to animal rescue, providing a haven for captive-bred foxes. The sanctuary currently requires over 70 cans of dog food, 50 pounds of dry food, and numerous toys and treats each week to maintain the health and well-being of its animals.
Wildlife Images recently released rehabilitated foxes back into the wild after providing care for orphaned and injured animals throughout the summer. The animals received initial treatment in the clinic before being prepared for release into an outdoor environment.