Cania latrans

The coyote is a crafty scavenger that inhabits all but the coldest regions of North America. Weighing up to 45 pounds, they can be twice the size of a red fox. Many traits are shared between the two species, including the skill to pounce prey, but like wolves they can travel in small packs and hunt in pairs.

Because they share similar prey and territory, coyotes are considered the troublesome big-brother of foxes. Preferring to avoid one another, the two species usually divide up the land. However, if space is limited, the coyotes take over by chasing away the resident foxes. Adult foxes are often killed over these land and resource disputes.

The risk to foxes is especially high in spring, when kits are born. The relatively timid fox does its best to stay away from its "big brother", because coyotes are well known to harass and kill young.

Coyote aggression depends on the individual animals and their circumstances. In rare cases, foxes and coyotes have even been seen living near each other and even eating from the same carrion. Nonetheless foxes stay on the defensive.

Both coyotes and foxes are important, natural members of a healthy ecosystem. They're part of a nations heritage. Please contact us or a local wildlife rescue organization for help with wildlife.

For a detailed study of coyoyte and fox interaction, click here.

Rabies Identification

Rabies

Rabies is a disease found around the world, spread through the bite of an infected animal.

This disease has become increasingly rare thanks to vaccination programs. There are only 2 or 3 human deaths from rabies in the US each year. It is important to remain vigilent, but act responsibly toward wildlife. The vast majority are not infected.

The United Kingdom is rabies-free. Click here to see a map of areas where rabies remains a concern in the U.S.

Foxes and other wildlife can become vaccinated before they become infected, using two methods:

1. TVR (Trap-Vaccinate-Release) Programs are for localized outbreaks. Animals are caught in cages and given a vaccine injection, then let go. It can cost between $800 and $1600 U.S. to cover a square mile ($500-$1000/sqkm) depending on populations. However, some of the costs are offset by the reduced risk to humans and domestic animals.

2. ORV (Oral Rabies Vaccine) Programs have been very succesful over large areas. Pieces of food, containing a vaccine, are dropped by air or by hand. The vaccine might be ERA (Evelyn-Rokitnicke-Abelseth) or V-RG (Vaccinia-Rabies Glycoprotein). Switzerland, a country plagued by rabies, was the first to implement this kind of program in 1978. In 1999, the entire country was declared free of the disease.

Information about the U.S. ORV program can be found here.

Click here to obtain rabies information from the Center for Disease Control.

Flea, Tick and Mite

Parasites and Other Illnesses

Fleas, ticks, and mites are three of the most annoying problems for foxes. These parasites spread diseases, such as Lyme Disease, and cause a host of skin problems. Mites, for example, cause sarcoptic mange (scabies) which causes fur loss, and can cause death by exposure in winter. For more on scabies, see the "Fur Matters" section.

A fox may also injest tape worm parasites from food, or be injected with heart worm larva from a mosquito. These kinds of "worms" grow and live inside the body, disrupting organs and increasing the chance of a serious condition, such as congestive heart failure.

Just like humans, they can also get influenza and other respiratory illnesses like distemper. These conditions can be life threatening especially if the animal is already suffering from another illness or malnutrition.

If you suspect a fox or any other animal is suffering please contact a local wildlife rescue organization, animal care clinic, humane society or veterinarian. They can be found in the "Yellow Pages" under "Animals", and may be able to help you contain the animal, determine its condition, and give appropriate treatment.

A red fox may live 2 to 3 years on average in the wild, out of a potential 14 years in captivity.