A Minnesota homeowner was alarmed when an unusual animal appeared in their backyard, thin, nearly hairless, and clearly in urgent need of care.
Concerned for its wellbeing, they resolved to intervene and provide a path to safety.
The Rescue Attempt
The homeowner tried multiple strategies to safely secure the mysterious animal and move it to a protected location.
Capturing it proved to be far more challenging than expected.
Despite its fragile appearance, the animal displayed remarkable cunning, outsmarting each trap the rescuer set.
Yet the homeowner persisted. After numerous attempts, they successfully secured the creature and transported it to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Minnesota (WRC).
At WRC, staff confirmed the animal was not unknown but a young red fox.
The little fox was in dire condition: dehydrated, underweight, and suffering from severe mange that had stripped nearly all its fur. On top of that, a fractured tail required a minor 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 team committed to giving him the best chance at recovery despite the challenges ahead.
A Clever Survivor
During rehabilitation, the fox’s resilience became clear.
Even without full fur and with a weakened body, he maintained a lively, clever personality, continually testing the staff with his agility and intelligence.
The team highlighted his elusiveness as evidence of his sharp mind, which made everyday care a playful challenge.
Generous donations designated for foxes with mange ensured his treatments and recovery were fully funded.
After roughly a month of intensive care, the fox regained strength, improved in health, and was prepared to return to the wild.
When released, he leapt energetically from his crate and sprinted toward the forest, pausing briefly to glance back, as if to silently acknowledge the humans who had saved him.
The moment left WRC staff profoundly moved. Witnessing such a transformation reinforced the importance of their work and the impact of persistence and compassion for animals in need.