Each spring, we welcome hundreds of orphaned and injured baby animals into our care. Currently, we’re caring for over 115 babies.
Cubby was one of the many babies we took in during the 2023 season; however, while others could be released, Cubby now lives permanently at SWCC. Her story serves as a poignant reminder of the impact that even small actions can have on the future of wildlife, and, sadly, it echoes the journey of many of our permanent residents.
When Cubby first arrived at our facility, she was energetic, playful, and physically healthy. It wasn’t her energy or health that concerned us, it was her comfort with people. Unlike most wild foxes, who naturally maintain a healthy wariness of humans, Cubby showed no fear. She approached staff members willingly and eagerly, treating people as sources of comfort and food.
Despite our team’s expertise and dedication, some changes cannot be undone. The positive associations she had formed with people, linking human presence to food and safety, had fundamentally altered her natural instincts. Because she was habituated to people, she was unable to be released back to the wild.
Today, Cubby is a permanent resident at SWCC. While she receives excellent care and lives comfortably, foxes and other wildlife ultimately belong in their natural habitats, not in human care. For wild animals, having an instinctive wariness of humans isn’t just helpful, it’s essential for survival. This natural fear helps keep them at a safe distance from roads, residential areas, and the many hazards that come with human proximity. Without it, animals like Cubby become vulnerable to dangers they should instinctively avoid.
If you encounter young wildlife, here’s how you can help ensure these animals have the best chance at a wild, free life:
Never Offer Food: Feeding wildlife, no matter how small or seemingly helpless, can forever change an animal’s relationship with humans and doom them to a life in captivity or even death. It’s dangerous for both animals and people.
Keep Your Distance: If you’re concerned about a young animal, watch from a distance to see if the mother returns. In most cases, she will. Many animals leave their young while foraging and return regularly.
Know When to Call for Help: Contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator if the animal appears injured, is obviously orphaned (mother confirmed dead), or is in immediate danger.
Let’s keep our wildlife wild!
June 2025