In mid-November, Humboldt Wildlife Care Center took a call about a fox found lying in the middle of the road near the Shelter Cove Fire Department. The fox couldn’t walk, could barely move.
Shelter Cove is a considerable distance from HWCC – getting help for the fox meant coordinating with the firefighter in Shelter Cove and the staff of Garberville Redway Veterinary Group who generously agreed to take the fox for the night and provide stabilization treatment while we arranged transportation for the following morning.
After driving to Garberville the next day, we had the Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus) in care.
Although he could not use his legs, he did have sensation in his back feet, and tried to move them as he was being handled. A good sign.
Within a few days the fox was able to stand and take a few weak steps. After six days, he could walk and stand easily. We moved him to outdoor housing to test his ambulation. Immediately he ran to the far side of our mammal housing. He did stumble a bit when he reached the other side, about 30 feet away, which was important to note as an observation. Nevertheless his run was a very remarkable display.
Over the next couple of weeks his coordination continued to improve, until we could not perceive that he’d ever had a problem. He was in fine form. At his release examination, he answered all the questions correctly, including his four hundred gram weight gain in three weeks – having come in at 3500 grams, he was going home at 3900! He liked his thawed rats from Layne Labs
At the first break in weather after the recent storms, BAX boardmember, release photographer, wild family reunion specialist, administrative miracle worker, and fine artist Laura Corsiglia and one of our wonderfully giving HWCC volunteers, Christine, took the Gray Fox back to Shelter Cove. Ordinarily Laura gets incredible shots of patients at release, as can be seen on this very site! But not this time. When Christine opened the door, the quick gray fox jumped through the hated door and was gone. Laura did get this video.
Thanks to your support over the last 44 years, HWCC has been here for wild animals in need, doing the best we could do with what we had. This fox had a place to heal because you provide the resources that are needed. Now as we go through the stress and excitement, the fear and the promise, of moving our facility, we and our patients need you. Please help keep our doors open, so we can keep opening doors for our wild neighbors who need a second chance. Thank you!!!!
photos/video: BAX/ Laura Corsiglia
