Warning: Watch Out for Mangy Foxes in Reston

RESTON, VA — Beware, residents of Reston and Fairfax County: there's been a big increase in call volume lately for foxes infected with a skin disease called "mange."

Most people who see a fox that exhibits abnormal behavior and looks sickly assume it is rabid, but it may actually be infected with mange. Red foxes are the most common animal in Fairfax County infected with mange, but coyotes can get it too, according to a report from the Fairfax County Police Department.

Sarcoptic mange is a skin disease caused by a microscopic burrowing mite, often called scabies mites. It is highly contagious and spread through direct physical contact with infected animals, or by prolonged contact with an environment contaminated by scabies mites, so stay away from apparent fox dens, the report states.

Mange isn't pleasant: it causes intense itching and inflammation from the mites. It also causes hair thinning and hair loss, skin lesions and infections. The disease often forces animals into open areas in the sun to regulate their body temperature after hair loss, so they may have little fear of humans.

The report adds: "If you have concerns about a fox exhibiting the symptoms above (or if an animal is immobile, has remained within the same area for an extended period of time or exhibits aggressive behaviors towards humans), please notify the Animal Protection Police immediately through the Fairfax County Police non-emergency line at 703-691-2131."

Image via Wikimedia user Jonn Leffmann