One day during the early spring in 2002 "Fox" was playing in his front yard with his brothers and sisters. He was only a few weeks old and was just beginning to explore the area around his family's den. Mother was off searching for dinner and "Fox" knew she would return. She always did. Suddenly, however, a strange being approached. Fox's brothers and sisters scurried back to the safety of the den but Fox wasn't so lucky. He was scooped up and hauled off to a life that was quite foreign to him. He would never see his mother or siblings again. He was the victim of alien abduction.

What happened? A "well meaning" human had seen the little foxes playing near her home and decided that the animals were orphans. She tried to catch the trio but was only able to capture one. Later, when mother fox return with dinner for her family, she noticed a strange scent around her den and a missing child. She feared a trap and ran off, leaving the two remaining kits without care. Within a couple days both would be dead of dehydration and starvation.

"Fox Mulder" was now a true orphan. He quickly learned to accept the humans as his new family. In fact, after a few weeks he lost all memories of his previous life. He now thought himself a human. He would never again be a free fox because of current wildlife laws in Texas. Under Texas law, all foxes and coyotes are under rabies quarantine. They cannot be held as pets , transported, or helped by rehabilitators. "Fox" is being held under a zoological permit and will never be able to run free. Even if he could be returned to the wild he would not survive long as he never learned the necessary life skills from his mother and father. He was, also, too imprinted on humans.

Warning! Foxes, raccoons, deer, rabbits and many other animals will often leave their young alone, sometimes for hours, while they search for food. They will return to care for their young. Do not approach any young animals that you feel might be orphans. In doing so you could actually frighten the parent away and create some real orphans.

Watch the animals from a distance for a day or two. Only if you notice that no adult returns and the young appear to be in distress should you take action. Do not try to help the animals yourself. Call a wildlife rehabilitator or your local office of Fish and Game or Animal Control for assistance.