Baby season kicked off in April for Dr. Cara Newberry, based at the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC). One of their recent baby arrivals was a juvenile red fox discovered in Medicine Hat, found alone in a yard all day. The concerned citizen monitored the fox throughout the day and confirmed the absence of a mother or siblings. Suspecting the fox had been orphaned or rejected, the fox was brought into AIWC for care.
Upon examination, the fox was estimated to be about 3-4 weeks old, thin, dehydrated, and covered in fleas, though thankfully without any major injuries or concerns. The first steps were to rehydrate him with subcutaneous and oral fluids, followed by initiating him on a dilute formula. Additionally, he received treatment with topical flea medication and a flea bath to address the flea infestation and clean him up.
Under the care of AIWC, the fox has shown promising progress. He has a healthy appetite, steadily gaining weight, and is growing more playful with his enrichment items day by day.