Buddy, the famous Yukon fox once thought to be a dog, has died

[Spazito]

Yukon Wildlife Preserve fox experienced identity confusion, world fame and a long healthy life

Almost 10 years after a case of mistaken identity that made international headlines, the Yukon Wildlife Preserve has laid to rest the red fox affectionately known as Buddy.

Discovered when it was days old, the tiny creature was initially thought it to be a puppy — and briefly nursed by a Chihuahua — before becoming a crowd favourite at the preserve, and beyond.

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Eventually, staff determined it was unlikely that the fox would be able to be released back into the wild.

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"Partly because he was raised by a Chihuahua and partly raised by humans, he was not far off the mark of a dog.... It just goes to show how important in any animal, including ourselves, those first days and weeks, the initial exposure to life is. Because his was humans and not his own kind, that really set a different course for that animal."

much more

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/north/yukon-fox-mistaken-for-dog-dies-1.7172967

[sinkingfeeling]

1. R.I.P. little Buddy.