Arctic Fox Rescued Far From Native Habitat... in Portland, Oregon
Michelle Milliken
Arctic foxes, unsurprising for their name, live in the vicinity of the Arctic. You may find them in the tundra, far north coastal areas, or on ice floes. One was recently found in an area decidedly south of that, though.
Following reports of a white fox wandering around Portland, the animal was brought to Portland-based wildlife nonprofit Bird Alliance of Oregon. In social media posts, the organization noted that the animal, identified as a female Arctic fox, was likely so far from her native habitat because someone had been keeping her illegally. Her species is not found naturally in Oregon, and it is against the law to have foxes as pets in the state.
The fox did not show strong fear of humans and was approaching them prior to her rescue, possibly seeking help. Bird Alliance says she may have escaped or been dumped by her owners.
Ashley Lema, the organization’s Wildlife Care Center Manager, says, “Unfortunately this Arctic fox’s story is all too common. Wild animals aren’t pets, and treating them like domestic animals isn’t just dangerous for people, but it’s often a death sentence for wildlife. Even if they are rescued or removed from captivity, the animal will never be able to return to the wild.”
Despite her ordeal, the fox was found to be in good health, though she was hungry and dehydrated. She’s been receiving food and fluids to regain her full strength and has also been provided enrichment to make her stay more comfortable.
As she doesn’t have the skills necessary to survive in the wild, her future will need to involve something else. The organization says the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is determining what to do next.
You can follow Bird Alliance of Oregon on social media to get updates on the fox, along with updates on the other work they do to protect wildlife.
In the wild, Arctic foxes are thought to have a population in the hundreds of thousands, though overhunting and habitat loss caused by ice melt are both threats to their survival.
