For six foxes from across the region, recovery is on the horizon from a potentially fatal disease. Simcoe County Emergency Animal Response (SCEAR) says the animals, all suffering from mange, were rescued from a variety of places, including Collingwood, Midhurst and Barrie. “This year has been particularly difficult when it comes to mange,” SCEAR said via a social media post on Sunday. The animal rescue added “we continue to receive a large number of requests from members of our community asking for help with foxes suffering from this painful condition.” Mange is a skin disease caused by mites that burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, inflammation and hairloss. The itching can be so severe that foxes (or other animals) may injure themselves while scratching. In the case of close contact, mange can be transferred from foxes to animals such as dogs and possibly cats. “Fox rescues are not easy,” SCEAR says. “Foxes can be extremely difficult to contain safely and successful rescues can require a tremendous amount of time, patience, equipment, and dedication,” SCEAR adds. “Whenever possible, we also work to keep fox families together, which can make containment and rescue efforts even more challenging,” the organization says. The six foxes were picked up over the course of 10 days and are now being treated and cared for.
