Officials in Malvern are reporting sightings of foxes suffering from mange and are urging residents to exercise caution. Mange is a contagious skin condition caused by mites that results in patchy fur, scabby skin, and a thin or lethargic appearance. Authorities stress that the primary rule for the public is to keep a safe distance.
Feeding wildlife is strongly discouraged. Providing food can draw animals closer to homes, which increases the risk of spreading disease to other local wildlife or pets. Officials emphasize that residents should not attempt to capture, touch, or treat any fox they see. Treating a wild animal without a permit is illegal and poses safety risks to both the person and the animal.
Property owners are advised to secure their trash and keep pets inside or closely supervised. In many cases, foxes with strong immune systems can recover from mange without human intervention if given space to do so. If you encounter a fox that appears to be in severe distress or is physically incapacitated, you should contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission directly for assistance at 833-PGC-WILD. Residents are reminded to prioritize safety and allow the animals to remain in their natural habitat.