In Finland, two orphaned fox cubs named Keke and Kake were released into the forest at the end of August after being cared for at a wild animal rehabilitation center in Mikkeli. The release site is located more than 20 kilometers from the urban area, YLE News reports.
Keke was found in late spring, while Kake was found in July. The second cub suffered injuries after being bitten by a larger animal and initially could not properly use its hind legs. Both animals were born in spring.
Preparing for life in the wild
Keke lived at the center for about two months before Kake was placed in his enclosure. According to the center’s founder, Jarmo Lautamäki, the animals initially avoided each other but later became friends. During feeding, Kake hid in the hay and in a small shelter, while Keke walked around the enclosure and watched the person.
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Lautamäki tried to prevent the cubs from becoming accustomed to people. He said that Keke had avoided people since an early age and growled when someone came too close. When the animals were caught in the outdoor enclosure to be placed in transport crates, it took about half an hour.
Foxes should not be tamed
After being released, the cubs ran in different directions, and Kake needed time before leaving the site. Lautamäki believes they may spend the winter together, but in spring they will probably compete for females and territory.
Katja Holmala, a researcher of predatory mammals at the Natural Resources Institute Finland, noted that foxes adapt well to life in cities, where they find rodents, animals killed on roads, and food waste. At the same time, she stressed that foxes must not be fed or tamed: human food can be harmful to them, and taming wild animals is prohibited by law.
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