United States - September 24, 2024

In a heartwarming tale of wildlife rehabilitation, the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) Southwest Region celebrates the successful return of a family of red fox kits to their natural habitat near Dolores, Montezuma County, Colorado. These kits, once orphaned, have embarked on a new chapter in the wild after a nurturing summer at the CPW's Frisco Creek Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

The journey of these kits began with their arrival at the center, where basic survival skills were non-existent. Initially bottle-fed, their human interaction was kept to a minimum to prevent habituation, ensuring their wild instincts remained intact. The kits' diet consisted of a diverse menu ranging from fruits and vegetables to whole prey, including mice, rats, quail, and rabbits, designed to mimic their natural diet and sharpen their hunting prowess.

As the kits grew, they were transitioned into outdoor pens where they honed their natural abilities. They learned to dig burrows, mimicking the creation of dens for shelter, and developed climbing skills on various structures. This setup was critical in preparing them for a self-sufficient life away from human care.

The release, captured in a poignant video, saw District Wildlife Manager Matt Sturdevant carefully liberating the first kit into the wild. With an innate understanding of their surroundings, the fox family swiftly adapted, disappearing into the landscape, a testament to the success of the rehabilitation process.

Michael Sirochman, the facility manager at Frisco Creek, has been instrumental in this success, dedicating himself to the intricate care required for wildlife rehabilitation. His efforts, along with those of the entire CPW team, ensure that each animal's return to the wild is as natural as possible, minimizing human impact on their behavior.