TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT MANGE (ARTICLE)

TAKING A CLOSER LOOK AT MANGE

Hello from Kelly at Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

Thank you to Bancroft This Week for the opportunity to share the attached submission in the October 18th edition. Your support is invaluable to us.

We hope you get a chance to read the article at the link below.

~ Taking A Closer Look At Mange ~

Late September brought an unexpected shift in our wildlife efforts. Initially, we were monitoring for nest-hatching activity and were intently watchful after a fox dug up some nests. Thankfully, the hatchlings had already vacated, but soon after, we discovered the fox had mange. A few phone calls later led to us assisting the fox. 

https://thinkturtleconservationinitiative.wordpress.com/2024/10/23/taking-a-closer-look-at-mange/

We kindly ask you to play a crucial role in conservation efforts by sharing this information with family and friends, it's a step towards protecting wildlife. It can help prompt action and safeguard vulnerable species. Thank you.

Respectfully,

Kelly Wallace, Managing Director

Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

Phone/Text: 647-606-9537

E-mail: thinkturtle@yahoo.com

Facebook: thinkturtleci

Username: Wallace Kathleen Kelly

Website: thinkturtle.ca

Facebook Post: #1373

FOXES WITH MANGE (FINAL UPDATE 09/10/24)

Hello from Kelly at Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

The following is an update regarding the two foxes with mange in the Hastings Highlands area we have been attempting to help the past couple of weeks.

The Original Fox

We are thrilled to let you know that the fox we have been treating for early-stage mange in the wild is showing signs of improvement. The fox was spotted on the trail cam a few times on consecutive days but there was no photo of its face to confirm that the fox's eyes had cleared. When we checked yesterday's photos we found the photo we have been waiting for. If we didn't know better, the fox looks to be posing to let us know he is doing well. Now that we know the medication supplied by Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre has taken effect and the fox will again be able to hunt, we will continue to feed it a couple more times to ensure the fox is well nourished, and after that, the fox can see to its own needs.  

The Smaller Fox

Unfortunately, in eleven days, we have not received any reported sightings of the second fox, the smaller fox in the advanced stages of mange. There could be several reasons for this. We do, however, have reason to believe this fox was possibly shot.

If the second fox was indeed shot, it was a hasty and unfortunate action. This incident highlights the urgent need for education on mange. Whether due to a lack of compassion or a misunderstanding of the fox's condition, the smaller fox was denied the help it needed. This incident underscores the importance of spreading the message that 'MANGE IS TREATABLE'. We were ready to secure the fox and transport it to Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary, but unfortunately, we didn't get the chance. 

Support

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you in the community who has been a part of our mission to help the foxes. Your support, whether through Facebook, in person, or via the media, has been invaluable. We are particularly grateful to 97.7 Moose FM and Chris Houston with the Bancroft This Week and The Bancroft Times for their assistance in spreading the word about the foxes and our efforts to help. Your contributions have made a significant impact on our mission.

Thanks to the staff and volunteers with Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre, who offered guidance and valuable insights, along with other friends in the wildlife rehabilitation community. Your dedication and expertise have been invaluable, and we couldn't have helped the fox without your assistance. We are deeply grateful for your support. 

Respectfully,

Kelly Wallace, Managing Director

Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

Phone/Text: 647-606-9537

E-mail: thinkturtle@yahoo.com

Facebook: thinkturtleci

Username: Wallace Kathleen Kelly

Website: thinkturtle.ca

Facebook Post: #1347

FOXES WITH MANGE (UPDATE 04/10/24)

Hello from Kelly at Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

The following is an update regarding the two foxes with mange in the Hastings Highlands area we have been attempting to help the past couple of weeks.

The Original Fox

The medication was administered on September 29th in the wild to the original fox we spotted with mange. We have a feeding station set up to monitor the fox's appearance for improvement and ensure he is well nourished. If the crusting around the foxes eyes begins to clear, the fox will again be able to hunt and see to his own needs. 

The Small Fox

Unfortunately, we have not received any sightings of the second fox, the small fox, since Sunday evening. On Monday morning, just after 8:30 am, we heard a single gunshot while preparing to humanely secure the small fox on Russell Crescent, where it had been spotted on Sunday. We heard no gunshots before or after that single shot. Coincidentally, there have been no sightings of the small fox this week. Its movements were out in the open. With no sightings, it is looking more like the random shot was directed at the fox. 

If this is the case, and we are deeply disappointed. We were set with all the necessary supplies, equipment, and medication, to act fast to help the small fox as of Monday morning. All we needed was a reported sighting. We patrolled the area between West Diamond Lake Road and Russell Crescent throughout Monday and since. We were confident that with the community's help, we could secure the fox and get it to Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary. All the arrangements were in place. 

If the fox was shot, this action was in haste. No matter the reason, compassion or mistaking the fox's condition for some other ailment a lack of education regarding mange worked against the small fox in getting the help it needed. "MANGE IS TREATABLE" and we were mobilized and set to help. From the video we saw of the small fox on Sunday evening it was in poor condition but not beyond treatment.

If anyone has any sightings of the small fox this week or has information about the possible demise to report, please call or text Think Turtle at 647-606-9537. Note: All contact information supplied to Think Turtle by persons who report sightings or related information is kept private and confidential.  

We want to express our profound gratitude to everyone in the community who has played a crucial role in efforts to help these foxes. Your support, whether through Facebook, in person, or through the media, has been invaluable. We are especially thankful to Sarah Kipp of 97.7 Moose FM and Chris Houston with the Bancroft This Week and The Bancroft Times for their assistance in spreading the word about the foxes and our efforts to help. Your contributions have made a significant difference in our mission to heal these two foxes.

Respectfully,

Kelly Wallace, Managing Director

Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

Phone/Text: 647-606-9537

E-mail: thinkturtle@yahoo.com

Facebook: thinkturtleci

Username: Wallace Kathleen Kelly

Website: thinkturtle.ca

Facebook Post: #1341

HELP US HEAL THE FOXES (30/09/24)

Hello from Kelly at Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

We have been working since last week to treat two foxes suffering from mange, in the area between Russell Crescent and West Diamond Lake Road, Hastings Highlands.  

The small one is in critical condition and needs medical care.

If you have any information about the foxes' whereabouts, please phone or text us at Think Turtle 647-606-9537 ASAP. Do not send a Facebook message or comment about a sighting we are working outdoors and will not be able to check on Facebook messages until the evening. Phone or text 647-606-9537. 

Thank you for helping us in our efforts to heal the foxes.

Respectfully,

Kelly Wallace, Managing Director

Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

Phone/Text: 647-606-9537

E-mail: thinkturtle@yahoo.com

Facebook: thinkturtleci

Username: Wallace Kathleen Kelly

Website: thinkturtle.ca

Facebook Post: #1337

FOX WITH MANGE UPDATE (27/09/24)

Hello from Kelly at Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your care and concern for the fox with mange in the Hastings Highlands area. Your compassion, inquiries and input to help this poorly fox is genuinely heartwarming. 

A special thank you to the Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre for their invaluable guidance and for providing the necessary medication to aid the fox's recovery. Their role is crucial, and with their expertise, we can proceed with efforts to treat the fox in the wild. There are no words to express how relieved we are at not having to resort to using a live trap. 

We also want to express our gratitude to Shayna for her invaluable contribution. Her offer to pick up the medication is a significant step forward in our efforts to treat the fox. Shayna, your act of kindness and dedication is deeply appreciated.

Efforts to help the fox are underway, and we hope for its full recovery. If there is anyone in the Bancroft or Hastings Highlands who can volunteer some time over the weekend by monitoring the fox's activity from a distance, parked in their car. Your role in ensuring the fox's movements during this time, and your help would be highly appreciated. If you can volunteer for 30 minutes or longer, please get in touch with Kelly at Think Turtle by phone or text at 647-606-9537. 

With your continued support, we hope the fox will fully recover. Thank you once again for your compassion and assistance. Operation Helping Foxes Flourish commences.

Sincerely,

Kelly Wallace, Managing Director

Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

Phone/Text: 647-606-9537

E-mail: thinkturtle@yahoo.com

Facebook: thinkturtleci

Username: Wallace Kathleen Kelly

Website: thinkturtle.ca

Facebook Post: #1334

HELP NEEDED FOR A FOX WITH MANGE (25/09/24)

Hello from Kelly at Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

We are seeking assistance from someone with experience helping a fox with mange.

The Fox is located in Hastings Highlands, South Baptiste Lake Road area.

The plan is to humanely trap the Fox using a live trap and minimize stress to the Fox by checking the trap often and getting the Fox to a wildlife centre as soon as possible.

A live trap large enough for a Fox is required, as well as guidance on how to proceed.

Also, we need assistance transporting the trapped Fox to Woodlands Wildlife Sanctuary, 2146 Duck Lake Road in Minden, or Sandy Pines Wildlife Centre, 8749 County Rd 2 in Napanee in Ontario, whichever is closest.

The Fox is currently frequenting turtle nesting habitat, with one nest already disturbed. There could be others we are not aware of yet. It's crucial to help the Fox recover from mange as soon as possible for his or her well-being and to prevent further harm to turtle nests. Every moment counts in this urgent situation.

The Fox is noticeably suffering from mange, a treatable condition if caught early and provided with veterinary care. Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated. We are concerned about the Fox's health and welfare.

If you are able to help, could you please get in touch, preferably by phone? Your assistance in this matter is greatly appreciated, and we are truly grateful for your potential contribution. Call or text Kelly at Think Turtle at 647-606-9537. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Kelly Wallace, Managing Director

Think Turtle Conservation Initiative

Cell/Text: 647-606-9537

E-mail: thinkturtle@yahoo.com

Facebook: thinkturtleci

Username: Wallace Kathleen Kelly

Website: thinkturtle.ca

Facebook Post: #1332