In a story we broadcasted on Thursday, we told you about an Albemarle County woman who was upset that state laws prohibit animal control from trapping a fox seen roaming freely in Charlottesville. Jean Voight said she's afraid the fox is sick and could pose a threat to people. Now, wildlife experts are weighing in with a possible solution.
Eleanor Matano, a Virginia licensed rehabilitator, called us after our story aired and said people don't always have to hire a private agency to trap the animals. Depending on the situation, people can contact their area wildlife center which will put them in touch with a rehabilitator to trap the animal.
Matano says the circumstance with the fox is a prime example for when a rehabilitator would get involved.
"I will not remove a healthy animal. If the animal is salvageable you would call a rehabilitator or you would call the wildlife center and they would give you the name of somebody in the area who could come and pick the animal up," she explained.
Once the animal is caught, some are placed into the wild, but others have to be released where they are found. As for the fox in question, Matano is not sure what will happen because she says she would have to see it in person.
Click here for more information on how to get in touch with a rehabilitator in your area.
