Three foxes rescued after being found with mange

A fox suffering from mange recovers at Shades of Hope in Georgina, Ont.

Three foxes suffering from mange are recovering at a York Region wildlife refuge after being rescued earlier this month.

Aurora Animal Services says it received a call on Aug. 3 from a Georgina resident who noticed the foxes in distress. Officials say the resident went above and beyond, keeping a close eye on the animals until all three were safely captured.

“Thanks to this resident’s remarkable dedication, tracking the foxes daily and sharing their locations with our team, we were able to safely secure all three animals,” the Town of Aurora stated in a post on social media.

The foxes — now named Sorrel, Rue and Briar — are being treated at Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge in Georgina. The centre provides medical care and rehabilitation for injured and orphaned wild animals before releasing them back into their natural habitats.

Mange is a skin disease caused by microscopic mites that burrow under the skin, which leads to intense itching, hair loss, scabs and, in severe cases, infection and death. In wildlife, mange can spread quickly, especially among foxes and coyotes.

Staff at Shades of Hope say treatment involves medication to kill the mites, along with antibiotics, nutritional support and a safe, quiet environment to heal. Recovery can take several weeks to months depending on the severity of the infection.

Aurora Animal Services says the rescue highlights the role community members play in protecting wildlife, urging anyone who sees an animal in distress to call 1-877-979-7297.