Orphaned fox cubs return to the wild after Mikkeli rehabilitation

Two orphaned fox cubs have been released into the wild after being raised at wildlife rehabilitator Jarmo Lautamäki’s facility in Mikkeli, Yle reports. The cubs, named Keke and Kake, were released at the end of August.

The foxes were born in spring and found orphaned several weeks apart. Keke was found in late spring, while Kake was found in July after being injured by the bite of a larger animal. Kake could not properly use his hind legs.

Lautamäki believed Keke had not had time to become familiar with other foxes in the wild. From an early age, however, Keke avoided people and growled when anyone came too close. Lautamäki took care to ensure that the fox did not become attached to him.

Keke had lived at the facility for about two months when Kake was placed in the same enclosure. The foxes initially avoided each other, but the two animals eventually formed a bond.

Their personalities were different. Kake hid in the grass and shelter during feeding, while Keke circled the enclosure and watched the person bringing food closely.

The rehabilitation facility prepares animals to return to the wild. Animals may be frightened away if they have lost their fear of people, but Lautamäki said this was not necessary with the two foxes. Catching them from the outdoor enclosure and getting them into transport boxes was difficult and took half an hour.

When the foxes were released, they ran in different directions. Kake took more time before leaving. Lautamäki said he expected their relationship to change in the future.

“They will probably stay together through the winter, but then a compulsory separation comes. In spring, they will start fighting over females and territory,” he said.

The foxes were released in a forest more than 20 kilometres from Mikkeli’s urban area. Lautamäki said there were already enough urban foxes in Mikkeli.

Foxes living in built-up areas have learned that food is easy to find close to people. Lautamäki warned against feeding them, saying foxes return to places where they receive food. He said foxes can find food for themselves and may also benefit from increasing rat populations.

Katja Holmala, a senior researcher and mammal predator expert at the Natural Resources Institute Finland, said foxes adapt well to their surroundings and have established themselves in Finnish cities. In built-up areas, they can eat rats and mice, roadkill and waste from biowaste bins.

Holmala warned that human food can harm animals and said waste containers should be locked carefully. She also condemned efforts to tame foxes and other wild animals, saying this is illegal. Wildlife rehabilitation facilities must also follow that principle.

The law does not prohibit helping an animal. A suffering wild animal must be helped, and the law requires a place of care to be found if treatment is needed. Such care is usually provided by volunteer-run rehabilitation facilities.

People can call the emergency number 112 if rescuing an animal requires assistance from the rescue service or if the situation could endanger people. Instructions on helping animals are also available on the Korkeasaari website.