Young vixen found dead on Orkney raises infection fears

Islanders in Orkney were shocked by the discovery of a young vixen's body in Kirkwall, marking the first sighting of a fox on the islands in nearly 3,000 years. The fox, which was found near Balfour Hospital, raised concerns among locals about potential infections due to its tick-covered body. NatureScot has emphasized the legal implications of releasing non-native species, urging the public to report any sightings of foxes on the islands. The young female fox likely died from a road traffic accident, as indicated by signs of decomposition and fractures found on its legs. The body had been there for several days before being discovered by hospital staff. Speculation surrounds how the fox arrived on Orkney, with theories suggesting it could have been a stowaway from the mainland or possibly released illegally. The incident echoes a similar occurrence in 2007 when a young male fox was found, leaving farmers and environmentalists puzzled. The presence of foxes poses a significant threat to local wildlife, particularly small livestock and ground-nesting birds, which is why their introduction to the islands has been historically controlled. Authorities, including the Orkney and Islands Council, are investigating the matter, and locals are encouraged to report any information to Police Scotland. The discovery has reignited discussions about wildlife management and the importance of preventing non-native species from establishing themselves in sensitive ecosystems.