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Virginia Wildlife Center Uses Fox Mask to Prevent Orphaned Kit from Human Imprinting

In an innovative approach, staff at the Richmond Wildlife Center are wearing fox masks to feed and care for an orphaned red fox kit, aiming to prevent human imprinting.

Employees from the Richmond Wildlife Center are trying to act like mother foxes when working with an orphaned kit.
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Overview

  • The Richmond Wildlife Center in Virginia has adopted a novel method of wearing fox masks while caring for an orphaned red fox kit to prevent human imprinting.
  • Executive Director Melissa Stanley was seen feeding the kit with a syringe while wearing a realistic fox mask, as part of efforts to minimize human interaction.
  • The center is coordinating with other rehabilitation facilities to ensure the female kit can socialize with other foxes of her age and weight.
  • The initiative also serves to raise awareness about the dangers of rabies and the importance of proper handling of wild animals.
  • The ultimate goal is to reintroduce the fox kit into the wild, alongside other foxes, to ensure its survival and contribution to the wildlife population.