Guess Who Fell Under Spell of Newborn Fox?

More and more these days, we’re hearing stories of orphaned animals who turn to foster ‘dads’ for help. All kinds of species, from chimpanzees to cats, have been seen forming these tender bonds which challenge the often under-appreciated role of male animals as caregivers. Today I’m delighted to share one such example.

Too Little To Survive Alone, But Would He Imprint on Humans?

“A one-week-old baby red fox was found by the side of the road by a family,” Joan Campbell of the New England Wildlife Center explains. ”His eyes were not open yet. At first, our hospital staff were not sure if he was a fox or a coyote because he was so young.”

“Our veterinarian Dr. Cartoceti was concerned about the baby red fox imprinting on his human caretakers,” Joan continues. ”However, another orphaned fox was brought in and both of them were ‘adopted’ by an adult male fox!”

Would The Pack Remain Together in the Wild?

When they were all healthy and strong, the three were returned to the North Shore of Massachusetts and wildlife staff held their breath as they waited to see evidence of the pack’s continued bond.

“When they were released, the male and the older kit ran off immediately,” Joan explains. “This little one was unsure of his surroundings at first. He was still for a while, but then he slowly made his way to the other two who were waiting for him!”

When You Find Young Wildlife

Please be advised that if you find a newborn wild animal alone, it may not be in distress. Often the mother is off collecting food and she will return. Unless there is imminent danger, you should resist the temptation to move young wildlife. It’s best to safely observe from a significant distance and it could be hours waiting for the mother to return. When in doubt, call a professional wildlife rehabilitator for advice.

In any given year, the New England Wildlife Center cares for more than 2,000 injured and orphaned fox, bats, rabbits, hummingbirds, snakes, ducks and more. Learn more about their work here. And if you have a wildlife rescue story and photos to share, click here.

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Maria D.

11:34AM PDT on Apr 30, 2012

luv the little faces, they are so beautyfull

send a green star

Waltraud U.

5:09AM PST on Jan 15, 2012

Great story ! Thank you !

Cal S.

1:18PM PST on Jan 5, 2012

Can't touch Masters Artistry!gotta love that little guy.

Ken K.

4:46PM PST on Jan 4, 2012

Don't cry because it's over,
smile because it happened.
- Anonymous

Naomi M.

1:07AM PST on Dec 17, 2011

Great story. Thank you

Holly L.

2:36PM PST on Dec 12, 2011

Beautiful ..thank YOU ..ooh, look at the gorgeous precious little face...!

Rita G.

4:39PM PST on Nov 29, 2011

What a precious little face. I have taken a few baby animals to the wildlife society here. I think it is great that there are places like this. I know many people would love to take in a precious little baby wild animal. But it harms them more than helping them because when they imprint to humans and grow to be a grown up wild animal, there is no where to take them. This is a nice story.

mary l.

4:20AM PST on Nov 29, 2011

great story

Penny C.

9:49AM PST on Nov 17, 2011

thank you so much.

Past Member .

8:05AM PST on Nov 17, 2011

I lurrrv foxes. They're so fun to spot in the wild. Glad these little guys are safe.