Six orphaned gray fox siblings released into San Jose park

(KRON) — Six wild gray foxes were released Wednesday into Alum Rock Park in San Jose.

The six kits were found in April after they were orphaned by a construction crew, the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA said.

“The crew and park rangers made attempts to reunite the baby foxes with their parents but were unsuccessful when the parent foxes did not return,” the PHS/SPCA wrote. “They were barely able to open their eyes when they were rescued at 5 weeks old.”

PHS/SPCA wildlife staff members said it’s highly unusual to find a litter with six siblings. The orphaned gray foxes were raised together at PHS/SPCA’s wildlife care center in Saratoga for months until they became old enough to survive on their own.

The baby foxes lived in a special remote and forested enclosure at the 167-acre site, with a focus on keeping them wild.

On Wednesday, the adorable fox siblings were ready to return to Alum Rock Park.

“We are so happy to release them back to their home,” said Colleen Crowley, PHS/SPCA communications manager. “Our goal is always to keep human engagement with wildlife to a minimum, and then to release the animals to the wild after raising (and) rehabilitating them.”

August is the time of year when young foxes are usually dispersing from their parents and foraging out on their own, so the siblings are anticipated to make an easy transition back into the wild.

Gray foxes are a native California species that helps keep rodent populations under control. The foxes, known for their bushy long tails and iron gray fur coats, only weigh about 7-10 pounds as adults, according to the National Park Service.

Community members who find an injured, sick, or orphaned wild animal can call Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA at 650-340-7022. The local, private, nonprofit organization is dedicated to animal welfare.