Mysterious white fox found in Portland turns out to be female Arctic fox, now getting care and recuperating

A mysterious white fox spotted recently in southeast Portland turns out to be a female Arctic fox that's being cared for at the Bird Alliance of Oregon's wildlife care center.

Here's their news release on the animal:

Arctic Fox Found at Willamette Park Brought to Wildlife Care Center

PORTLAND, Ore. — On Saturday, October 12, 2024 the Arctic fox that made headlines earlier in the week in Portland was brought to the Wildlife Care Center, Bird Alliance of Oregon’s wildlife rehabilitation hospital. Arctic Foxes don’t naturally occur in Oregon, so this species is considered an exotic animal here. Its native habitat includes Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard, northern Russia, islands in the Bering Sea, Alaska, and Canada, among other northern locations. 

While we don’t have information yet on where the Arctic fox came from, or how she got to Portland, we believe the animal has only known a life of captivity. The fox doesn’t show a species-appropriate fear response to people, and was actually approaching humans when rescued.

“We believe the fox either accidentally escaped from captivity or was intentionally dumped by the people who illegally held her,” shared Ashley Lema, Wildlife Care Center Manager. “After a few days of being on the loose, the female fox was desperate enough and approached a person for help, as it’s likely that humans have provided her food her whole life. Not only is she in the wrong habitat, but she just doesn’t have the skills necessary, like hunting, to survive in the wild. We’re thankful the good Samaritan brought her to the Wildlife Care Center so we could safely house her while the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife determines next steps.”

The Wildlife Care Center performed an exam, learning that the fox is a female, weighs 6 ½ pounds, and is thin and dehydrated, but otherwise in good health. She was just lost and unable to fend for herself. She is receiving food, fluids, and enrichment while at the Care Center.  

“Unfortunately, this Arctic fox’s story is all too common,” said Ashley. “Wild animals aren’t pets, and treating them like domestic animals isn’t just dangerous for people, but it’s often a death sentence for wildlife. Even if they are rescued or removed from captivity, the animal will never be able to return to the wild.” 

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Bird Alliance of Oregon was founded in 1902 to promote the understanding, enjoyment and protection of native birds, other wildlife and their habitats.

Bird Alliance of Oregon’s Wildlife Care Center is the oldest wildlife hospital in Oregon and gives injured and orphaned native animals a second chance at life in the wild. Through education and advocacy, the Wildlife Care Center also serves as a resource to help our community live more harmoniously with wildlife.

Our Wildlife Care Center is free and open to the public 365 days a year, and our hotline is live every day between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.: 503-292-0304.