A young kit fox found entangled in an elementary school volleyball net was set to undergo a leg amputation Friday morning at the San Joaquin Veterinary Hospital.
The female kit fox is estimated to be less than a year old and weighs just under 4 pounds, according to a release from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The kit fox is listed as an endangered species at the federal level and a threatened species by the state of California.
"Prior to 2009, there were a total of 11 known instances in Bakersfield of foxes caught in nets (seven died)," said Steve Martarano of US Fish and Wildlife in a news release. "So far in 2009, there have been six incidents including the one Thursday (two pups have died). The most common nets where the accidents have occurred include soccer, baseball batting cage, and volleyball nets."
Officials at the elementary school called authorities say the kit fox was found entangled in a lowered volleyball net. The kit fox's leg was badly broken, authorities said, and the net was wrapped around the animal's neck.
"Several foxes frequent the area, including a fox that is collared as part of an ongoing study," Martin said in the release. "After today's surgery, the kit fox will be rehabilitated, but it is not a candidate for release back to the wild."
Instead, the kit fox is headed to The California Living Museum, home to three other three-legged kit foxes.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the California Dept. of Fish and Game are asking for the public's help in protecting other kit foxes.
The organizations released these tips:
-- Never feed a kit fox, or any other wildlife at ANY time; keep pet food indoors.
-- Never attempt to touch or handle a kit fox as they likely will bite in self-defense.
-- Nets at schools and recreational facilities such as playgrounds, parks, etc., should be taken down when not in use.
-- Nets should be stored safely and furled, particularly at night when kit foxes are active.
