Mange
Mange is a contagious skin disease caused by microscopic mites that burrow into an animal’s skin, leading to intense itching, hair loss, thickened skin, and often fatal secondary infections. The most common form we see in wildlife such as foxes, coyotes, and raccoons is sarcoptic mange.
Animals Most Affected:
Foxes
Coyotes
Raccoons
Occasionally squirrels, opossums, and other mammals
Signs of Mange in Wildlife:
Patchy or complete hair loss
Thick, crusty skin (especially on the tail and legs)
Emaciation
Lethargy or day-time activity in nocturnal animals
Frequent scratching or biting at skin
Is Mange Contagious?
Yes. Mange can spread between animals through direct contact or shared dens. Domestic pets and, rarely, humans can contract a mild, temporary form. It is not life-threatening in humans or pets but should be addressed quickly.
How Rodenticides Make Mange Worse
Rodenticides (rat poison) don’t just kill rodents—they also poison the animals that eat them. This is called secondary poisoning. This includes foxes, coyotes, owls, hawks, and bobcats.
How it connects to mange:
When predators eat poisoned rodents, it has the same effect as it would on the target animal—their immune systems weaken from internal bleeding and toxic exposure. This makes them highly susceptible to mange, and often, they can't fight it off.
What You Can Do to Prevent Mange
Never use rodenticide. It is cruel to both the target and non-target animal. Instead:
Eliminate food sources (pet food, garbage, bird seed at night)
Seal entry points to buildings
Keep areas clean
Don’t leave food outside
Secure trash cans
Clean up fallen fruit and compost properly
Reach out
If you see a wild animal showing signs of mange, contact Rockland Wildlife. We may be able to help.
Reminder! Coyotes are not the enemy. Sick and weakened coyotes often begin foraging closer to human areas not out of boldness, but because they’re too weak to hunt properly. It's a sign of suffering, not aggression. They are not a threat… They are in need.
