Recently, an incident in Colorado Springs brought to light the complex question of keeping wildlife as pets, specifically foxes. A woman in Colorado Springs had been keeping a fox as a pet for at least two years, as evidenced by pictures on her Instagram account showing the fox with a collar and consuming human food. However, this situation took a turn when Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) seized and euthanized the fox, sparking public debate and raising crucial questions about the legality and ethics of owning a fox in Colorado.
This action by CPW led to considerable public reaction, with many questioning whether euthanizing the fox was the only option. Some members of the public wondered if CPW had considered placing the fox in a suitable facility such as the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo or the Denver Zoo. Others inquired if CPW could have educated the woman on proper fox care, including vaccination, and allowed the fox to remain in captivity.
CPW officials explained that euthanasia was necessary because the fox, having been raised in captivity, could not survive if released back into the wild. Furthermore, CPW stated that their standard procedure does not involve relocating wild animals kept illegally to sanctuaries. According to public information officer Bill Vogrin, “We do not allow Colorado wildlife to be taken and then be put into sanctuaries. We send wildlife that people bring in, baby animals, to rehabilitation centers where they can be raised until they’re old enough to fend for themselves.”
Vogrin also expressed concern that making exceptions could encourage more people to take in wildlife, believing they would eventually be placed in zoos or sanctuaries. He stated, “Imagine where that would leave [us] if everybody decided they’re going to pick up wildlife, knowing that eventually it will go to a zoo or something like that. So no, we typically don’t do that.”
Another critical factor in CPW’s decision was the potential health risks associated with foxes, particularly rabies. The fox in question had not been vaccinated against rabies. Vogrin emphasized that the only definitive way to rule out rabies was to euthanize the animal and examine its brain tissue. “Our first priority is human health and safety,” he said. “So we had no choice but to euthanize it and send it to our lab for testing.”
While CPW does not maintain specific data on the frequency of wildlife seizures from illegal pet owners, Vogrin believes such incidents are becoming more common, possibly due to an increasing number of people moving to Colorado who are unfamiliar with the state’s wildlife regulations. He noted, “We conduct public awareness campaigns every spring when there are new babies on the landscape. People unfortunately pick them up because they think they’re helping. It’s a growing problem for us.”
This is not an isolated incident in Colorado. Last year, another Colorado Springs resident placed a bobcat, which had been hit by a car, into her minivan with a child present. Despite her good intentions to help the injured animal, the bobcat, suffering from paralysis and internal injuries, also had to be euthanized. Officials used this event to reiterate the dangers of interacting with wildlife and emphasized that “Wildlife are not pets.”
In conclusion, the answer to the question “Can You Have A Fox As A Pet In Colorado?” is a clear no. Colorado law prohibits keeping wild animals like foxes as pets. The CPW’s actions in the Colorado Springs case underscore the state’s stance on this issue, prioritizing both wildlife conservation and public safety. Colorado residents are urged to appreciate wildlife from a distance and to contact CPW if they encounter a wild animal in need of help, rather than attempting to domesticate or keep it as a pet.
