JOELTON, Tenn. (WKRN) — One of the delights of living in Middle Tennessee is getting to observe local wildlife in the area, such as foxes.

However, mange has recently become a problem with many foxes in the area. Walden's Puddle, one of the few certified and licensed wildlife rehabilitators in Middle Tennessee, and has taken in and treated 85 foxes during the last year.

Jerry Vandiver, a fox rescue volunteer at Walden's Puddle, humanely traps foxes in areas where foxes with mange have been seen by the public. Then, he brings them to the wildlife center for treatment.

"We have an epidemic of sarcoptic mange in foxes all over Middle Tennessee," said Vandiver. "What happens is, the mites that cause the mange are out there, and when the fox comes along and eats the prey that's been infected by some pesticides — particularly what we call rodenticides, rat and mice poison— the fox's immune system drops and the mites take over."

"The bad news is that if the fox is untreated, it will die a long and excruciating death," Vandiver told News 2. "But sarcoptic mange is treatable by the staff here at Walden's Puddle. And if we are able to catch those foxes, we can treat them, release them back in their home, and they'll be happy and healthy again."

Volunteers at the wildlife center ask people ask people to not feed wildlife, as this could bring animals like foxes, close together and spread mange.

According to Vandiver, once a fox is cured, releasing it back into the wild is an exhilarating experience.

"It's very emotional," he pointed out. "When we open the crate and they run out into the woods, I've seen a few people tear up, myself included.  Sometimes, every once in a while, they turn and look back at you.  I'd like to think that they're saying, 'Thank you.' Probably not. They're probably saying, 'I'm glad to be out of here.' But, they do turn and look back, and it's pretty special."

Unfortunately, the monthly cost for medical care and food for the foxes alone is over $8,000. The cost for all of the animals and wildlife being rehabilitated at Walden's Puddle is between $38,000 to $42,000. Most of their workers are volunteers, and the nonprofit organization is in dire need of donations.

If you would like to donate to Walden's Puddle, you can do so at their website or mail a check to P.O. Box 641, Joelton, TN 37080.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/nonprofit-in-middle-tn-helping-foxes-affected-by-mange-epidemic/