When a kindhearted homeowner noticed a strange-looking animal hanging around their backyard, concern quickly set in.
The creature appeared thin, nearly hairless, and clearly in need of urgent help. Determined to do something, the Good Samaritan set out on a mission to save it.
The Rescue Effort
The homeowner began trying different ways to safely capture the mystery animal and get it somewhere secure.
But this was easier said than done.
Despite its poor physical condition, the animal proved to be surprisingly sharp and managed to outwit every trap that was set.
Still, the determined rescuer refused to give up. After several failed attempts, they finally succeeded in safely capturing the animal.
The mystery guest was then brought to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota (WRC).
There, staff discovered that the hairless animal was not some unknown creature, but a young red fox.
The little fox was suffering greatly. He was dehydrated, underweight, and battling a severe case of mange, which had left him almost completely without fur. To make matters worse, he had a fractured tail that required a small amputation at the tip.
“Before his trip to WRC, this young red fox experienced weeks of cold, hunger, discomfort and desperation due to the mites that were burrowing under his skin causing a severe case of mange. He arrived to our clinic almost completely furless, ribs showing and with a fractured tail that would require a small amputation from its tip,” WRC shared on Facebook.
The road ahead would be long, but the team was determined to give him the best chance at recovery.
Outsmarting Everyone
As the fox began his rehabilitation, it became clear why he had been so difficult to capture in the first place.
Even though he was missing fur and body mass, his spirit was unshaken. He quickly kept staff on their toes with his playful and clever personality.
The team shared that they wanted to post the video of him evading capture because it perfectly showcased his intelligence. It was the same trait they observed during his stay, as he constantly challenged them to come up with creative ways to keep him both entertained and safe.
Thanks to donations from generous supporters who contributed specifically to help mange-stricken foxes, his medical treatments and recovery were fully covered.
After about a month of dedicated care, the once-ailing fox was thriving. His strength returned, his health improved dramatically, and he was finally ready to go back to where he belonged—his home in the wild.
When the day came, the staff opened the crate, and the fox didn’t hesitate for a second. With an energetic leap, he bounded out and sprinted toward the woods.
Before vanishing into the trees, he turned back one last time, as if to silently thank the people who had saved his life.
The moment deeply moved the WRC staff. While they already know how vital their work is, seeing such a transformation firsthand served as a powerful reminder of why they do what they do—never giving up on an animal in need.