BLUE-FOX FARMING IN" ALASKA 29 
LOSSES FROM DEPREDATIONS 
Some losses among foxes are caused by predatory birds and mam- 
mals. Eagles are widely charged with catching young foxes, and 
there are authentic records of their doing so. The fur farmer is 
well warranted in making war upon them in the vicinity of the fox 
ranch. Wolves have been reported as killing foxes, but it is believed 
that instances are rare. 
The extent of losses from poaching is not known. Marking ani- 
mals and skins with registered brands, as required by Territorial law, 
reduces the likelihood of handling stolen skins. The drastic laws 
and substantial penalties now imposed are reducing losses from 
j^oaching. 
SANITATION AND TREATMENT OF DISEASE 7 
The diseases of the blue fox in Alaska are few, and the distances 
between islands lessen the danger of transmission of diseases and 
parasites. In maintaining the health of foxes, preventive measures 
against disease must be chiefly relied upon. With the blue fox the 
prevention of disease is far easier than its treatment. 
Sanitation. — Places frequented by foxes should be kept reasonably 
clean, particularly in the vicinity of the dens and feeding grounds. 
This is very difficult, especially where foxes are at liberty to roam an 
entire island ; but in spite of this, some attempts to clean up should 
be made. 
Close attention should be given to the methods of feeding. Xoth- 
ing but clean, wholesome feed should be given. Animals that have 
died should not be fed to foxes unless the meat can be made safe by 
thorough cooking. Xo moldy feed should ever be used, as it causes 
diarrhea and sometimes death. Foxes can not be prevented from 
carrying food into their dens, but this habit can be lessened by feed- 
ing them at regular intervals and by giving only as much as will be 
consumed with relish. Food left at the dens or the feed houses for 
any length of time will mold or otherwise spoil. All dishes used 
should be clean and the water supplied should be pure and fresh. 
When blue foxes are first purchased they should be carefully 
examined for any abnormal conditions. Even though apparently in 
good health, they should be placed in pens and kept under quaran- 
tine and close observation two to four weeks before being turned 
loose. Sick animals should be captured and isolated at once to pre- 
vent the spread of disease; and if disease breaks out on an island 
or on a ranch, a strict quarantine should be maintained. 
Dead foxes should never be permitted to lie around, but should 
be burned or buried. If it is desirable to examine a dead body, cut 
open the chest and abdomen the entire length. Examine the stomach 
and intestines for worms. If pneumonia was the cause of death, the 
lungs will be a dull red and will sink when placed in water. 
7 This section was prepared by T). E. lUickingham, a veterinarian sent to Alaska by the 
Biological Survey during the summer of 1924 to investigate blue-fox farms, particularly 
on islands, with special attention to the matter of sanitation and disease. 
