Mangey Foxes

[Hartshot]

Has anybody else noticed an increase of mange in foxes in their area ?

I've had a fair bit of success lately using the 66mm lamps, mainly through more efficient spotting and calling (mouse squeak) once seen.
But.
Almost half the foxes are as mangey as helll, I shot another just before dusk last night with my little 10-22 (I was out after the local crows at the time) that had a head which was so deformed by mange that it looked like a lion !!! Before you ask the answer is NO, I was not in a safari park
It's got to the stage now where I carry wheelie bin liners and disposable gloves so I don't have to touch the carcass. They are then burnt well away from all the livestock.
Most of these foxes, by the way, are on the edge of an urban area so this could possibly have an influence on things.

H

[PESCA]

Can't say I've come across it, H, and most of my shooting is bordered by housing estates and the like.

Just wondering if it's got a hold in your immediate area?

George

[Hartshot]

They're buzzing around here G, running around like bowls of dried porridge on legs they are. Gives me the heeby jeebies it does, poor sods. Makes it even more satisfying "helping" them out of their mortal coils ! I should work for the RSPCA

[PESCA]

Do we not have a 'makes my skin creep' icon? Feeling itchy now.

George

[phoenix]

Got to agree with George on this one H. I've shot 4 in the last week or so and they've all been in good condition with no sign of mange.
Having said that, none were anywhere near a town.

Cheers

Bruce

[Fox Hunter]

They are thin on the ground here but a month or so ago I shot and trapped several with mange. I was convinced they'd been dropped as they were appearing on way to quick a time scale to be 'moving into' the area and previously I hadn't seen one with mange for years. All of a sudden they dried up (which made me look a complete tit to another member on here ) and I haven't shot one with mange since. So I don't know if it's these city foxes you speak of or a sudden increase in the area with mange but it's nasty and seems to be on the rise again.

[Gloop]

Shot 3 or was it 4? Well anyway, they would make a lovely fur coat I can tell you they shone that much. Haven't come across any mange this year and only a little bit last year.