The woods around Nashville are seeing a dramatic shift in their red fox population. By early September 2026, the Walden’s Puddle Wildlife Center had already rehabilitated more than 60 foxes suffering from mange. That number dwarfs the 44 animals treated during the entire year of 2025. It’s a clear signal that something is accelerating the spread of this condition.
Mange is caused by microscopic skin mites that burrow into the fur. For a fox, this isn't a cosmetic issue; it causes intense irritation, massive hair loss, and open, scabbing wounds. Without intervention, these open sores become entry points for secondary infections. Eventually, the animal weakens and dies. It’s a painful, slow process that local residents are increasingly witnessing first-hand.
So, why the sudden jump? Habitat fragmentation is a major culprit. As suburban development eats into natural territories, foxes are forced into closer contact than they would naturally have. This crowding makes it easy for the contagious mites to jump from one animal to another. There’s also a growing concern about the use of rat poisons in urban areas. These chemicals can weaken a fox's immune system, making them far more susceptible to infections like mange.
Jerry Vandiver, a 78-year-old Nashville songwriter, has become the front line of this response. He logged 234 volunteer hours in August alone, frequently working through the night to trap and transport sick animals. He uses trail cameras to track their movements, a process that can take weeks before a trap is finally set. Once caught, the foxes are sedated and moved to Walden’s Puddle for professional medical care. Vandiver’s Facebook following has exploded from 325 to 5,000 as he shares before-and-after photos of the recovering animals.
The goal is always a return to the wild. One male fox, found in extremely poor condition with most of his fur gone, was successfully released back into the wild after nearly three months of treatment. If you spot a fox with patchy fur or visible sores, the advice is simple: keep your distance and report it. Trapping requires specialized equipment and knowledge, and a frightened fox can injure itself. Contact local wildlife rescue centers like Walden’s Puddle rather than attempting to intervene yourself.