Foxes and Coyotes
*ATTENTION*
NEVER HANDLE A FOX OR COYOTE!
Foxes and coyotes are rabies vector species. Rabies is nearly 100% fatal to humans once symptoms appear. They also can have parvovirus and distemper, which can be passed to your pets (not to humans). Do not handle the animal(s) without proper protective equipment. Keep your pets away from the animal(s). If your pet has come in contact with the animal(s) call your veterinarian and make sure that your pet is up to date on its vaccinations.
If the fox/coyote is exhibiting any neurological signs (seizures, head ticks, erratic/constant chewing, seems dazed, is staggering) DO NOT go near it. Call us, a conservation officer or the PD.
If a human or pet was bitten or had direct contact with any of the animal’s bodily fluids please contact the MN Department of Health to determine if the animal must be submitted for rabies testing and if post exposure rabies vaccinations are required.
MN Department of Health 651-201-5414
Red foxes can be infected with the H5N1 viral strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). Do not handle these species without gloves or until speaking to a permitted wildlife rehabilitator. If this species needs medical attention it must be brought to a rehabilitator that has an HPAI quarantine facility.
If you would like more information on HPAI please click this link.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in the Agricultural Community | Blogs | CDC
Note: The information contained in this text regarding health and/or safety precautions may not be adequate for all individuals and/or situations. It is the reader’s obligation to comply with all applicable laws and regulations. We are not responsible for injuries or illnesses occurred from you interacting with wild animals. Do so at your own risk. If you do not feel comfortable handling the animal do not handle it.
Red Fox
Identifying Feature White-tipped tail
2 weeks Eyes open
3 weeks Parents introduce solid foods
4-5 weeks Begin exploring outside of den
10 weeks Fully weaned
7 months Male kits establish their own
territories. Females stay with
their mother for 1 year.
Gray Fox
Identifying Features Cat-like facial features,
retractable claws
9-12 days Eyes open
12 weeks Begin exploring outside of den
16 weeks Fully weaned
Coyote
Identifying Feature Black-tipped tail
10 days Eyes open and ears are erect
3-4 weeks Venture outside of den and
begin hunting
5 weeks Fully weaned
8-12 weeks Eat regurgitated meat until
able to hunt independently
Fall to late winter Male pups establish their own
territories. Females stay with
their parents to form a pack.
Orphaned?
Below is a list of signs to determine if the kits/pups are orphaned and need to be assessed by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator:
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If a baby has flies, fly eggs (look like tiny grains of rice), fleas, many ticks, mange, etc. on it then it likely is orphaned and needs to be assessed by a permitted wildlife rehabilitator.
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Open wound, severe limp, trauma visualized, nasal discharge, etc. requires medical attention.
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If the kits have been crying for 4+ hours without any parental response they may be orphaned.
Orphaned babies will also start approaching humans or pets when they are hungry and their parents haven’t returned. Don’t feed them anything. Contact us.
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Both the mother and father will hunt and bring back food for the kits/pups. If one parent has been killed or relocated the remaining parent will still care for the babies. If the mother is killed or relocated while the kits/pups are young they may need to be rescued if they are not old enough to be weaned yet.
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As the kits/pups age they will start exploring outside of the den and following their parents around learning to hunt. These babies should be alert, playful and coordinated. If they are very young and wobbly they may be orphaned and searching for their parents. Contact us before you intervene.
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Cats create tiny puncture wounds that seal over quickly and can create pockets that become infected.
Dogs create crushing injuries when they bite. Internal injuries may not present for a couple days.
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If they have been under human care or have been fed anything from a human caretaker a permitted wildlife rehabilitator needs to be contacted.
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Young kits should be warm and reactive. If they aren’t please contact us.
Don’t Be A Kidnapper!
Red foxes and coyotes use den sites to raise their young. Gray foxes use dense underbrush. Both parents will take care of the babies and teach them how to hunt once they are old enough. As long as one parent is tending to them they do not necessarily need rescuing.
If you have a fox or coyote that has a den on your property and you need the babies moved please allow the parents to move them on their own. They will have several den sites established. You must allow them time to move the babies. Please click here for instructions on how to encourage them to move their kits/pups and contact us if you have issues.
We do not take kits/pups simply because they are a nuisance to you. We have very limited resources and need to have space available for true orphans. Please be patient and be kind.
Containing the Animal(s)
If you believe that the animal needs help, please contact us so we can discuss the situation with you and walk you through safely containing it/them. Your safety should be your top priority. If it safe to do so, please follow these steps to contain the animal(s):
Contact us so we can discuss the situation with you.
Get an appropriately sized box for the animal (young babies only). You may also use a pet carrier or plastic container for older animals as long as there are air holes poked in it before the animal is inside.
Put a towel or thin fleece blanket on the bottom of the box and another small piece of fabric for the animal(s) to snuggle in.
Babies with their eyes closed: Using gloves, use the hand towel to gently pick up or scoop the kit/pup into the box. Any aged animal may bite. Please be cautious of their mouths. If the kit/pup is the size of a small house cat do not handle it. Tip the box on its side. Use a snow shovel to gently push the baby into the box. Slowly tip the box upright and place another small towel over the animal.
Adults: Assume that it will try to bite you. Use the shovel technique with a pet carrier or live trap. Do not handle the animal.
If the animal is alert, place a blanket over the kennel. This will encourage the animal to “hide” from you inside of it.
Secure the lid well.
Put a heating pad underneath 1/3-1/2 of the box so the animal can move if it gets too hot. Make sure that it is on the lowest setting to prevent burns.
Warm water bottles, Hot Hands packs and warmed rice socks also work if you don’t have a heating pad. Do not place these items inside the box with the animal.
Wash your hands.
Bring the animal to us immediately. If this is not an option, please try to find it a ride. In the meantime, put the box in a warm, dark, quiet area that is away from pets, children and noise.
DO NOT GIVE ANY FOOD OR LIQUIDS TO THE ANIMAL!
DO NOT hold, cuddle or talk to the animal. Keep away from pets.