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What's with this weird fox?

There is this weird fox we've been seeing around out house. It's got no tail hair and bald patches. It's used to people like all the foxes in our area, so it's not particularly alarming that it doesn't run from people or cars. At the same time, it will slowly move a short distance away if it is approached. We think it might be mange. Would it be easy to tell if a fox has rabies? I wish there were a way to insert a picture of him, but I can't figure out how to do that. Also, I've seen it going to the bathroom close to our yard. If it's a sick fox, could it harm my dog?

Public Comments

1. It could be mange (mites, like scabies in humans), or some sort of allergy Rabies doesn't present with hair loss. Rather, there is a bit of foaming at the mouth. I suggest you call Animal Control. They may be able to trap the fox and get it out of your neighborhood.
2. From the description you have given its hard to pinpoint exactly what is wrong. Mange could be the cause of the hair loss but the fact that he has almost no fear of humans or cars is something i cant explain. This could be from rabies or just simply because he is used to humans. In any case call animal control next time you spot the animal and have them trap it and take it away just to be safe. If it does have mange or rabies (or both!) it could spread it to your dog or you.