Dying fox loses fear of humans in Swiss garden tragedy
A resident in Liebefeld, near Bern, noticed an unusual visitor in their garden—a fox that stayed for weeks. At first, the animal kept its distance, but it soon became strangely tame, losing its natural fear of humans.
The fox's behaviour changed as its health worsened. Instead of fleeing, it settled into a garden basket, barely moving. Its fur was matted, and a swollen hump had formed on its spine. Concerned, the resident consulted a neighbour, a veterinarian, who recognised the signs of mange—a severe and often fatal condition.
Wildlife experts warn that sick foxes often linger in gardens or near homes because illness reduces their mobility. Diseases like mange or distemper also strip them of their usual wariness, making them appear unusually bold. The veterinarian advised contacting a wildlife warden, as the fox would likely need to be euthanised. The warden took three days to arrive and humanely put the animal down. Such cases are not rare: in Switzerland, 47 foxes with mange were reported to cantonal hunting authorities between 2024 and 2025. In 2024 alone, there were 28 confirmed cases, with 19 more recorded by the end of 2025. Authorities stress that anyone spotting a fox acting oddly—such as staying in one place for too long or looking unwell—should alert a wildlife warden or local hunting group. These diseases are always fatal, and prompt action prevents unnecessary suffering.
The incident highlights the importance of monitoring wildlife health. Sick foxes pose no direct threat to humans but often require intervention to end their suffering. Reporting unusual behaviour helps authorities manage such cases before the animals deteriorate further.
