“[I]t was just so heartwarming to see … “
Published on April 29, 2025 at 5:40 PM
Earlier this month, a Carrizo Plain National Monument trail cam captured rare footage of a San Joaquin kit fox family. When the monument’s staff first saw the video, they couldn’t believe the elusive animals had been caught on camera.
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San Joaquin kit foxes are North America’s smallest fox species, weighing in at just 5 pounds. They’re native to Central California and are perfectly adapted to thrive in the desert heat. They have large, heat-dispersing ears and get all the water they need from their food.
Unfortunately, San Joaquin kit foxes have been on the endangered species list since 1967. Habitat loss has caused their numbers to dwindle, and it’s become increasingly difficult to see them in the wild.
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The Bureau of Land Management (BLM)’s conservation efforts have provided a much-needed safe haven for the endangered foxes to live and reproduce.
“The Carrizo Plain is 250,000 acres,” Philip Oviatt, BLM Central California District’s public affairs officer, told The Dodo. “So that’s a big playground for these kit foxes to thrive.”
Over the past few years, several families of San Joaquin kit foxes have settled near Carrizo Plain National Monument’s visitor center. But because the foxes are nocturnal, they’re incredibly difficult to spot. So the trail cam footage, captured overnight, provided a rare glimpse into their nighttime behavior.
One video shows the cubs scampering around without a care in the world. In one adorable moment, the babies playfully attack their parent’s tail:
https://volume.thedodo.com/embed/cb6c564f9?autoplay=true&loop=true&placement=article&player_type=chorus&tracking=article:lede&privacy_consent=allBureau of Land Management
And another video captured the babies roughhousing and ganging up on their parent.
https://volume.thedodo.com/embed/4a7651a8d?autoplay=true&loop=true&placement=article&player_type=chorus&tracking=article:lede&privacy_consent=allBureau of Land Management
According to Carrizo Plain National Monument wildlife biologist Russell Namitz, the size of this litter of foxes is unusually large. In other words, the parents have got their hands full.
“Average litter size is around four [pups], so to see six out there all on camera was really exciting,” Namitz told The Dodo.
The monument’s staff members were delighted to get to witness the furry family’s sweet moments.
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“Being out in the Carrizo for so many years, it was just so heartwarming to see these special animals just playing and romping around the visitor center,” Johna Hurl, Carrizo Plain National Monument manager, told The Dodo.
Most importantly, the footage captured allowed scientists and the public to get to observe the elusive animals in their natural habitat.
“Studying the animals in that large landscape gives researchers some important information on conservation, their habits and what we can do to continue the recovery of the species,” Hurl said.
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Woman Arriving Home From Work Finds Someone Curled Up By Her Trash Can
She was trying to find a bed 🥺
The other day, a Texas resident named Arleth Martinez had just returned home after a day of work when she was confronted with a heartbreaking sight. In front of her house, she saw a puppy curled up by her trash can.
Martinez noticed the dog was affectionate and trusted her right away, which led her to believe the pup had likely been abandoned very recently.
Terrified, the puppy was trying to find comfort any way she could. She’d burrowed down into a bag full of garbage and was using it as a makeshift shelter.
“That’s why I’m assuming she was dumped, because of the way she was trying to find kind of a bed,” Martinez told The Dodo.
As if things couldn’t get any worse, while Martinez was figuring out how to help the dog, she caught her neighbor throwing ice at the pup, trying to shoo her away.
“I was really, really sad,” Martinez said. “And then I was, like, really mad.”
Martinez posted a picture of the puppy on a local social media page, asking if anyone could take her in. Thankfully, someone from Three Little Pitties Rescue saw the photo and knew they had to help. They brought her into their clinic as quickly as possible to get her the medical care she needed.
After getting vaccinated and receiving her deworming and flea prevention treatments, Milly was beginning to feel better. Once she settled in with her foster family, her bubbly personality began to shine through.
“Like any puppy, Milly loves treats, cuddles and toys,” Three Little Pitties Rescue wrote on Facebook. “But what truly sets her apart is her sweet, gentle nature and deep need for affection.”
Now, Milly is looking for a forever family who can take her home and spoil her with the belly rubs and chest scratches she craves. She’s 5 months old and great with dogs, cats and children. She knows the “sit” command, but prefers to only sit on soft, fluffy surfaces.
Everyone at Three Little Pitties Rescue is confident she’d make a wonderful addition to any household.
“Strangers? What are those? To Milly, everybody is a new best buddy, capable of delivering pets and love,” Three Little Pitties Rescue wrote.
After living in a pile of trash bags and getting ice thrown at her, Milly deserves to be pampered for the rest of her life.
“No more sleeping with the trash, only cozy beds and warm hearts from here on out,” Three Little Pitties Rescue wrote.
If you’re interested in adopting Milly, you can fill out an application here. If you’d like to support other animals like Milly, you can make a donation to Three Little Pitties Rescue here.
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