Behavioural changes in free-ranging red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) due to sarcoptic mange.

Sarcoptic mange ( var. ) reached Scandinavia in the mid-1970’s and is mainly prevalent among red foxes () ( 1987). In the laboratory, foxes succumb 2–4 months after being infested, and it is commonly thought that carriers in the wild exhibit an abnormal behaviour and quickly die ( 1984, 1990). However, there is a lack of comparative data from free-ranging animals to contribute to the ecology of the species in general and ta supplement the content of the above selected references in particular (e.g. 1988). Using telemetry studies, I have compared the behaviour in winter of 2 mange infested and 2 healthy red foxes. The work took place in 1987 and 1990 in a boreal area adjacent to farmland in central Norway (63° 20′N 10° 45′E).