Debate: What can we do as photographers to ensure their safety? Bombay Hook's Plan of Action: Letter from manager SIGNS POSTED Ms. Cher, Thank you for the information and photographs regarding people feeding and interacting with foxes on Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. We have been made aware of this problem by multiple sources. In the photographs we did observed violations of the National Wildlife Administration Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd). The animals on the refuge are in fact wild animals and should not be approached nor should an attempt be made to handle them. The Refuge will be posting the den areas with warning signs, providing information on the concerns related to humans interacting with wildlife and enforcing the regulations. Again, thank you for your concern for the Refuge and its wildlife. Oscar Reed, Jr. Deputy Refuge Manager Bombay Hook NWR (302)653-9345 Update: what 2 months later?? on July 12th ,2009 I went to Bombay Hook and there was no ranger in sight, Nor were there any signs posted!!! Response from Oscar- There is a big sign posted! Ms. Cher, In response to your letter, we do take the matter seriously. As you approached the Auto Tour Route, you should have seen the warning sign that we posted. It is located at the beginning of the Auto Tour Route (at the "T" before you make the right hand turn starting around Raymond Pool) and it measures approximately 22"x30" with a bright white background. We chose to place it there (instead of the den sites) because it is the best location for all visitors to see it and because the foxes had begun to move away from the dens. Though we were not there during your visit, we are patrolling and have encountered violators. We will continue to do so. Thank you for your continued interest in and concern about the wildlife here on Bombay Hook NWR. Oscar Reed, Jr. Deputy Refuge Manager Bombay Hook NWR Thank you and I'm sorry Oscar!! www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Hja0XND8Ms "Youv'e Got To Stand For Something" by Aaron Tippin www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ok_3j0Ijd4&feature=related Circle of Life By Elton John A Call From The Wild: I'm a baby Red Fox and if you feed me, touch me and let me sit upon your lap... I will have faith in all the world and the Eagle will take me down. I'm a baby bird and if you take me or my nest My Momma will abandon me and I will never fly. I'm a baby deer and if you feed me the hunter will be near He will hunt me and I won't have no fear. We are wild and if you love us Please don't feed Please don't touch Please dont let us have faith and trust. Written to the photographer, by Angel Cher This poem was written regarding how I feel... I have deer who eat the grass cuttings in my yard and sometimes when I have corn I will throw it to them- It is my Yard and I have to consider the outcomes and I do. I would never touch a deer with my hands or welcome them to me - Even if It is cute and I have seen it and find it adorable by others. The refuge animals are way different to me. There is no hunting aloud on my property- It's Posted! A QUOTE: Those who wish to pet and baby wild animals "love" them. But those who respect their natures and wish to let them live normal lives, love them more. ~Edwin Way Teale, Circle of the Seasons, 1953 My Story: The young fox kits are curious and this little one approached someone eating lunch! Chloe is what some of the regulars call Momma and she is vigorously teaching them to hunt right now by burying food for them to find so they will master the skills and go out on their own very shortly. Many photographers this day were baiting them to get a photo. while I don't like the fact people do throw them food, they do... and I hope they will soon run around and catch mice and other rodents! These guys are not too timid right now and hopefully they will eventually keep a distance and stay safe! This photo was surely a blessing for the person here eating her lunch! The fascination of seeing them so friendly is astonishing to say the least. This was an amazing moment for a human to experience. These Kits have been fed by most people there and are so used to it that I watched as this little one approached in delight and amazement. I wish that people would consider the outcome for them and the danger it could pose. Caught in the moment how can a photographer resist such a shot nonetheless. I also think this shot is a story in itself of how a wild animal can be so interactive with a human with so little fear and much trust. It would help though if the park rangers would monitor it just a little better. A Human being has always been fascinated with wildlife and If only they can touch them for a moment. This particular woman was not at all expecting such an awesome blessing like this! Many were feeding sandwiches,bagels,cream cheese, ham, mustard: Note to all who feed them: Diet: Foxes are carnivores. That means that they eat other animals. Their favorite things are rodents, rabbits and small birds. If they live near people, they are famous for raiding hen houses and stealing chickens. Bombay Hook's Plan of Action:Letter from manager Ms. Cher, Thank you for the information and photographs regarding people feeding and interacting with foxes on Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. We have been made aware of this problem by multiple sources. In the photographs we did observed violations of the National Wildlife Administration Act (16 U.S.C. 668dd). The animals on the refuge are in fact wild animals and should not be approached nor should an attempt be made to handle them. The Refuge will be posting the den areas with warning signs, providing information on the concerns related to humans interacting with wildlife and enforcing the regulations. Again, thank you for your concern for the Refuge and its wildlife. Oscar Reed, Jr. Deputy Refuge Manager Bombay Hook NWR (302)653-9345 Update: July 12th ,2009 I went to Bombay Hook and there was no ranger in sight, Nor were there any signs posted!!! www.fws.gov/northeast/bombayhook/index.html Photography: www.fws.gov/refuges/photography/pdfs/photographyOnRefuges... The LAW link: www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode16/usc_sec_16_0000... Read more about the Red Fox: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Red_fox www.chesapeakebay.net/bfg_redfox.aspx?menuitem=14444