Partnering with Citizens to Help Coyotes, Foxes and other Wildlife Recover from Mange

Are you interested in helping an animal with mange in your neighborhood?​

 

We need your assistance to gather information about the animal with mange in your area.

Please email us at cottontailrehab@gmail.com with the following details:

​

• Info about where the effected animal is frequently sighted:

  • ​Photos

  • Address of the sighting

• How frequently you see them (Unfortunately one sighting isn’t enough, we need several sightings to be able to start treatment). 

  • Date and time of sightings

​​
This process can take anywhere from 1 day to 2 weeks. Since some areas may be too far for us to reach, we do ask for collaboration from the resident. Our mange treatment protocol is safe, effective, and does not habituate the animal. Each sick animal is assigned a file and case number. After reviewing the photos, we will determine if the animal needs to be captured. Most animals can be treated and recover in the field.

To assist us, we need committed citizen observations to track the animals resting and frequented locations. Photos are crucial to ensure we are monitoring the same animal, especially since multiple animals may be present in the same area.

​​​​

What to know about Mange

Coyotes and foxes are the wildlife we most often see suffering from mange. They are usually spotted during the day as they avoid competition with healthy coyotes and foxes at night. They may be found basking in the sun, standing in the streets, lingering at corners or near bird feeders where they've learned to find food from people. These animals are too weak to hunt but can survive for up to two years or more with this skin condition, making them very difficult for us to trap.

It's important to note that sick coyotes and foxes do not pose a threat; we have never received reports of aggressive behavior. They are simply anemic, dehydrated, hungry and doing their best to survive. 

Mange results from a compromised immune system, often exacerbated by environmental factors. While many animals can fight off the mites that cause mange, a poor diet and exposure to rodent poison can lead to severe health issues. Studies from the National Park Service and Department of Fish and Wildlife have confirmed that rodent poison can cause debilitating mange in bobcats and foxes, and it also impacts owls, hawks, and other small wildlife. Using poison to control rodent populations harms the entire ecosystem. 

We have treated hundreds of animals on-site for mange. Please consider supporting the work we do by making a donation today.