A number of residents have noticed recently that the fur on some of the foxes living around Shadowbrook doesn’t look right. This is likely due to Sarcoptic mange, which is apparently fairly common among foxes. Animals with this condition are not generally considered a threat to people and pets, but people should not interact with them. Affected animals will seek protection from wind, shade, and sun because it affects their ability to thermoregulate, and it’s itchy. The website links that follow provide some additional information:
MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife–Living with Foxes Fact Sheet (general info about foxes)
MetroWest News–South Shore Mange Sightings 9/15/19:
https://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/20190915/experts-urge-caution-amid-spate-of-south-shore-mange-sightings
Tufts Wildlife Clinic:
https://wildlife.tufts.edu/wildlife-mange/
Fox Wood Wildlife Rescue Blog:
http://www.foxwoodwildliferescue.org/2017/01/05/treating-sarcoptic-mange-in-red-foxes/