Hand–Rearing Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)

Kerrin Grant

doi:10.53607/wrb.v29.85

Authors

Kerrin Grant The Wildlife Center

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v29.85

Keywords:

Gray fox, Urocyon cinereoargenteus, hand–rearing, diet, growth rate, milk formula, housing

Abstract

The hand–rearing method used for gray fox at The Wildlife Center (TWC) in New Mexico is presented and provides data on growth rates of kits prior to release. Milk formula uses Esbilac® as the base and volume offered is based on the stomach capacity of the kit. Weaning diet utilizes rodent prey, game meat, and fruit. Gray fox require housing that allows them to climb and sleep above ground. Vaccination and dewormer protocols are discussed, as is release criteria. In 2010, TWC had a 100 percent release rate of eight gray fox kits.

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Author Biography

Kerrin Grant, The Wildlife Center

Kerrin Grant has a BS in Wildlife Science and Zoology from Oregon State and MS in Wildlife Nutrition from Utah State. She has worked in the animal care field since 1983. Her specialty areas are hand–rearing and nutrition. She is employed as Rehabilitation Supervisor and Nutritionist at The Wildlife Center in Espanola.

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