The Arizona Humane Society is warning individuals to ensure that baby animals are truly orphaned before attempting to rescue them. In a recent incident, a Good Samaritan found a den of tiny baby animals behind their shed and brought them to the Arizona Humane Society, thinking they were domestic animals in need of help. However, it was discovered that the animals were baby foxes, not typical house pets. The baby foxes were then transferred to the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center for rehabilitation and release back into the wild when they are old enough. This story highlights the importance of leaving animal mothers to care for their young, especially during spring, known as “kitten season.”
It is often unnecessary for humans to intervene when they encounter litters of kittens, as the mother cat will likely return to care for them. The Arizona Humane Society advises that the best course of action is to keep an eye on the kittens and wait for the mother to return. If after eight hours the mother has not come back, then it is likely that the kittens are orphaned and in need of assistance. In such cases, animal organizations like the Arizona Humane Society offer Care-In-Place kits for underaged, orphaned kittens to be cared for until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered. If one encounters wild animals without a mother present, it is best to contact a wildlife rehabilitation organization for guidance.
Gray foxes, like the ones found by the Good Samaritan, are commonly found throughout the United States. They typically weigh four to five pounds and are about a foot tall at the shoulder. Female foxes can have litter sizes ranging from three to seven kits. While well-meaning individuals may want to rescue and care for baby animals they come across, it is important to remember that animals offer the best chance of survival when cared for by their mother. In the case of the baby foxes discovered behind the shed, they will be rehabilitated and released back into the wild by the Southwest Wildlife Conservation Center.
The story of the baby foxes serves as a reminder of the importance of allowing animal mothers to care for their young, as it gives them the best chance of survival. Human intervention is typically not necessary when encountering baby animals, as their mothers are often nearby and will return to care for them. Spring, known as “kitten season,” sees many well-meaning individuals trying to aid litters of kittens they encounter, but it is crucial to let the mother cat care for her young. By waiting and observing, individuals can determine if the kittens are truly orphaned and in need of help, and can then contact appropriate organizations for assistance.
The Arizona Humane Society and other animal organizations emphasize the importance of leaving animal mothers to care for their young, as they offer the best chance of survival. Well-meaning individuals often try to rescue baby animals they come across, but it is important to ensure that the animals are truly orphaned before intervening. In cases where individuals encounter wild animals without a mother present, it is recommended to contact wildlife rehabilitation organizations for guidance on how to best care for the animals. The story of the baby foxes found by the Good Samaritan highlights the need for caution and proper assessment before attempting to rescue and care for baby animals.
