Forensic findings in urban red fox mortality in the metropolitan area of Madrid, 2014–2022

Abstract

The expanding presence of red foxes ( Vulpes vulpes) in urban and suburban regions could potentially lead to increased instances of human aggression towards this species. We studied 10 deceased red foxes that were submitted by law enforcement agencies in the metropolitan area of Madrid in 2014–2022 because of suspected abuse. Forensic autopsies were performed to establish the cause and manner of death. In 4 of the 10 cases, the cause of death was deemed unnatural, involving blunt-force trauma ( n = 2), asphyxia resulting from hanging ( n = 1), and firearm injury ( n = 1). Among the remaining cases, most had succumbed to natural causes ( n = 4), often marked by severe emaciation and a high burden of parasites, primarily Sarcoptes scabiei. In 2 cases, death was undetermined given the poor preservation of the carcass. The growing prevalence of wildlife species in urban areas, particularly red foxes, may require forensic veterinary investigation of deaths potentially related to abuse.