Arctic Fox Discovered In PORTLAND – How Did It Get There?

When you think of Portland, you probably think of hipsters, beanie hats, and far-left extremists.

You don’t think of Arctic foxes, right? Well, one was discovered in Portland, and it’s currently receiving medical care.

At a glance:

  • An Arctic fox, a species native to Arctic regions, was found wandering in Portland, Oregon, and has been rescued.
  • The fox is believed to have escaped from captivity or been abandoned, as it shows no fear of humans.
  • The Bird Alliance of Oregon is caring for the fox while authorities decide its next steps.

A rare Arctic fox, typically found in northern regions like Alaska, Canada, and Greenland, was recently rescued in Portland, Oregon, after being spotted wandering in Willamette Park and nearby residential areas. The Bird Alliance of Oregon, which took custody of the animal, stated that the fox was likely held in captivity before either escaping or being abandoned. The fox’s lack of natural fear towards humans strongly indicates that it had been living with people for some time.

Arctic foxes are not native to Oregon, making the sighting unusual. Wildlife experts at the Bird Alliance confirmed that the fox was a young female, approximately 35 inches long from nose to tail, and weighing about six and a half pounds. Although she appeared thin and dehydrated, she was otherwise in good health when taken into care. Her thick white fur and heavily padded feet, designed for snowy conditions, further confirmed that she was an Arctic species, not native to the region’s warmer climate.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu8j-fDUdCI

Ashley Lema, Wildlife Care Center Manager at the Bird Alliance, emphasized that wild animals like this Arctic fox should never be kept as pets. “Treating wild animals like domestic pets is dangerous for both people and the animals themselves,” she said. Wild animals that are raised in captivity often lose their natural survival skills, making it nearly impossible for them to be reintroduced into the wild. In this case, a return to the wild for the fox is not an option.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife is now working with the Bird Alliance to determine the fox’s next steps. Because it is illegal to own an Arctic fox in Oregon, she will not be returned to her original owner, even if someone comes forward. Instead, the fox will likely be placed in a zoo or a wildlife sanctuary where she can live safely and be properly cared for.

This incident highlights the dangers of keeping wild animals in captivity and serves as a reminder that such animals need proper care and should not be treated as domestic pets.