Think Turtle warns not to feed foxes

By Chris Houston

In a social media post on Sept. 30, Kelly Wallace of Think Turtle Conservation Initiative pleaded to Hastings Highlands residents not to feed two sick foxes.
Three days prior, Wallace, the organization's managing director, thanked Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre for their support. Wallace commended the Pefferlaw-based organization “for their invaluable guidance and for providing the necessary medication” to help one sick fox.
In a Sept. 27 post, Wallace wrote that the centre's support was “crucial” and expressed gratitude for their advice on how to treat the fox in the wild. “There are no words to express how relieved we are at not having to resort to using a live trap,” she wrote.
On Sept. 30, Wallace provided an update, explaining that her organization was now providing care to two foxes. Wallace wrote that her team had ”been working since last week to treat two foxes suffering from mange, and to get medical attention for one with an injured leg. Based on information shared with us and our own observations, it appears that some people in the area between Russell Crescent and West Diamond Lake Road, Hastings Highlands may be feeding the foxes.”
Wallace stated that “we understand that this is done with good intentions” but asked that people “refrain from feeding the foxes.” She noted that feeding the foxes “interferes with our efforts to help them.” She stated that they had “set up two specific feeding stations based on sightings designed to attract the foxes so that we can administer the necessary medication once we confirm they are eating the food we provide.”
Wallace explained that “with other food sources available, the foxes are being distracted from the treatment they desperately need. One of the foxes is in critical condition, and it's important that we help them as quickly as possible.”
In a phone call with Bancroft This Week, on Oct. 1, Wallace explained that one of the ill foxes needs to be trapped, as it has an injured leg and needs attention. Wallace appealed to the public to inform her if they see the fox and for the short term loan of a live trapping cage with the dimensions 42” x 16” x 16”.
Wallace also expressed fears that someone had shot the fox. She heard a solitary gun shot the weekend prior. Wallace invited the public to share information about the foxes' whereabouts, inviting people to phone or text Think Turtle via 647-606-9537.