Foxes with mange

 Humane intervention for a fox suffering from mange requires preparation and close coordination with wildlife professionals. Establishing a feeding routine and allowing the fox to acclimate to the trap significantly improves the likelihood of success while minimizing stress. Continuous monitoring and ethical decision-making are essential at every stage. When undertaken responsibly, humane trapping can give a suffering fox the opportunity to recover

and return to its natural environment.

This document is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

Wildlife regulations may change, and additional local ordinances may apply. Individuals are

responsible for confirming current requirements with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources before taking action.

In the Commonwealth of Virginia, foxes are classified as wildlife and are protected under

regulations enforced by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources (DWR). The trapping,

handling, possession, treatment, and transportation of wildlife are governed by state law.

Under Virginia regulations:

• Medical treatment of wildlife, including mange treatment, must be performed or directed by a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian
• Relocating wildlife without authorization is prohibited
• Permission from the property owner is required before setting traps on private land

Members of the public should not attempt to trap or treat a fox independently. Any trapping

effort should be coordinated in advance with a licensed wildlife rehabilitator to ensure compliancewith state law and humane standards.

Ethically, trapping should only be undertaken when the fox is clearly suffering and professional

care has been arranged ahead of time. Traps must be monitored frequently, and no animal should be left confined for extended periods. The goal is treatment and recovery—not relocation,

prolonged captivity, or unnecessary stress.

Chickahominy Wildlife has humane live traps and trail/game cameras available on loan.

Access to loaned equipment helps ensure that trapping efforts are conducted safely, humanely,

and in compliance with wildlife regulations.

Before any feeding station or trap is placed, explicit permission must be obtained from the

property owner. A stable, low-disturbance location is essential, as the fox will need to visit the site consistently over several days. Quiet rural or semi-rural properties where fox activity is already known are ideal. Signs such as tracks, scat, or repeated sightings can help confirm the fox’s presence and use of the area.

A feeding station should be established before introducing a trap. This allows the fox to become

comfortable returning to the same location and reduces stress during later stages of the process.

Food Selection

Foxes are opportunistic feeders and are attracted to high-protein, high-fat foods such as canned

dog food, raw meat, or cooked poultry. Foods that commonly attract domestic pets, such as dry

kibble, should be avoided whenever possible.

Food Placement and Monitoring

Food should be placed in a quiet, sheltered area where the fox is likely to feel secure. The use of

a trail or game camera is strongly recommended to confirm that the intended fox is visiting the site and to ensure that other wildlife or domestic animals are not being unintentionally fed.

Routine and Consistency

Food should be placed at the same time each day, typically in the late afternoon or early evening

when foxes are most active. This routine should be maintained for several days until regular

visitation is observed.

Once the fox is consistently visiting the feeding station, a humane live trap may be introduced.

Trap Selection

A large, box-style live trap designed for medium-sized animals is appropriate for foxes. The trap

must be sturdy, free of damage, and large enough for the fox to enter comfortably without injury.

Gradual Acclimation

Initially, the trap should be placed at the feeding site without being set. Food should be placed

inside the open trap to allow the fox to enter voluntarily. During this period, the door may be

secured open to prevent accidental triggering and to allow the fox to become accustomed to the

structure.

Setting the Trap

After several days of successful feeding inside the trap, it may be set. The bait should be placed

at the rear of the trap to ensure the fox fully enters and steps on the pressure plate, allowing the

door to close properly.

Trap monitoring is critical and must be taken seriously.

• Traps should be checked frequently, ideally every few hours
• Any non-target animals captured must be released immediately and unharmed
• Trapping should be avoided during extreme heat, cold, or severe weather
• Traps should be set during peak fox activity periods, typically at dusk or dawn

Minimizing Stress

Once the fox is captured, the trap should be covered with a blanket or towel to reduce visual

stimuli and calm the animal. Handling should be quiet and deliberate, avoiding sudden

movements or loud noises.

Transport for Treatment

The fox should be transported as quickly as possible to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator or

veterinarian who has agreed in advance to provide treatment. Mange treatment should never be

attempted by untrained individuals.