Warwick Humane Society rescues silver fox near Mt. Peter

Warwick - Suzyn Barron, president of the Warwick Valley Humane Society, reported that her staff had only recently released a rescued vulture into the wild when they received a call about an injured dog on Route 17A just East of Mt. Peter. The Animal Control Officer (ACO) reported that the injured animal, which really didn’t look like your average dog, was frightened and partially dragging its rear leg. “When the ACO brought the so called ‘dog’ back to the shelter,” said Barron, “I saw it was a fox, but different from those we usually see in this area.” The fox was black with white tips on her fur and a white tipped tail. “The people we spoke to at the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC),” said Barron, “told us she was probably a black phase red fox. But rehabbers have told me that she is a silver fox, most likely farm raised for her fur but purchased as a pet.” The Warwick Animal Shelter staff arranged for the fox to be examined by a veterinarian who reported that she had either a broken leg or a dislocated hip. “She appears mildly tame,” said Barron, “but in truth, they are never totally tame and do not make good pets. I have made arrangements to transfer her to a wildlife sanctuary in upstate New York for rehabilitation. Sadly, however, she may never be releasable.” The Warwick Valley Humane Society rescues a variety of local birds and animals. All are given a fighting chance and most survive. The Society’s Wildlife Recovery Fund (WRF) helps defray the costs of medical and special dietary needs of wildlife rescued by the Shelter’s Animal Control Officers. According to Barron, the Wildlife Fund is low and any donation would be appreciated. Call 986-2473.