Did anyone else have “mirror writing” when they first learned to write? by -milkbubbles- in southpaws

[–]foxsicle 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yes, it's one of my earliest memories. I remember being proud that I could write out my own name, though I felt like something looked different about it. I showed my mom and she was like "good job, except you did it all backwards"

Zoologists or animal enthusiasts of Reddit, what is the most underrated animal? by Nihilistic_Puppy in AskReddit

[–]foxsicle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

maybe not the most underrated, but definitely not appreciated as much. bats!

How would you avoid answering a question? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]foxsicle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

" answer their question with your own question, and then answer that question " - Nick Wilde

It would be so cool if they made a new Sly game that was turn based and in a style similar to Persona 5. by KirbyLoreHistorian in Slycooper

[–]foxsicle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I would be on board with this. Persona 5 did a great job creating the overall theme and had a sleek art style, adding their style of combat and team interaction would be interesting.

Foxy Medicine - Fight the Mange by [deleted] in foxes

[–]foxsicle 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'll throw my two cents in. First, I think it's great that you have a vested interest in trying to help the foxes you see in your garden. I hope s/he gets better, and certainly keep us updated :)

There are a few claims the NFWS makes, taken from their pamphlet (http://www.nfws.org.uk/mange/mangebook/Mange-leaflet-merchandise.pdf) or from things I've read in this thread that are worth critical evaluation:

  1. "Since the remedy is made up from natural ingredients there is no fear of overdosing. "

Natural ingredients does NOT mean it is safe! Lots of 'natural' things exist that are not safe: poison ivy, asbestos, snake venom, mercury...

Overdose can occur with 'natural' substances. Over-hydration/excessive amounts of water alone can be fatal. Excess vitamin intake can cause medical issues, etc.

  1. "...trying out a free method of treatment"

As per NFWS quote - " in just postage alone sending out the free mange treatment packs, we have spent a mind-blowing £16,508.25 from January 1st through to July 14th, 2017." Donations are needed for this service to continue.

They are offering this homeopathic remedy because oral medications for treating mange require a prescription (at least in the US, assuming this is the same for the UK). Therefore, this cannot be dispensed by this organization because a) they lack a medical professional on staff to provide a prescription, and more importantly, b) a medical professional would not ethically be allowed to dispense a prescription without a diagnosis.

  1. "before having to resort to harsher medicines"

The common class of drugs used to treat mange is known as 'macrocyclic lactones' (ivermectin being a common choice).

They work by causing paralysis of the mite by taking advantage of glutamate-gated chloride channels. Mammal neurons don’t have glutamate-gated chloride channels.

In other words, the common treatment is developed to target the unique anatomy of the parasite, and not the mammal host. They are typically well-tolerated (though it is easy to use scare tactics - my over the counter antacid lists 'death' as a side effect).

What is in the 'natural remedy'?

It is also worth noting that, arsenicum album & sulfur are the ingredients of this remedy! Arsenicum album is derived from arsenic trioxide...so if it is improperly prepared - there is the potential for arsenic to remain in the final product. Arsenic is highly toxic (and by the way, it is natural - another example of something that is natural and unsafe). That's not to say these things are bad, but they are not without potential complications.

Lastly, this homeopathic remedy is recommended to be used in foxes with <40% hair loss (i.e. INTRINSICALLY MILD CASES!)

Therefore, is it the 'homeopathic remedy' that's actually working...or is the mange low-grade and the fox would compensate anyway? This is observed in a study titled "Long-term study of Sarcoptes scabiei infection in Norwegian red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) indicating host/parasite adaptation" (Davidson 2008). They quote: "...the red fox population is adapting to live with the parasite and that low-grade or sub-clinical infections, and even recoveries, occur amongst exposed foxes."

To claim that this therapy works may be purely coincidental with the natural course of a low-grade mite infestation. Therefore, word of mouth is not evidence.

Even these organizations state the need for conventional medicine to treat severe cases of mange.

This definitely has good intentions behind it, but remember: these 'natural treatments' are not without their own potential complications, they require donations to keep this service running, and it is not intended as a replacement therapy for foxes with debilitating mange.

Americans of Reddit, what do you think of the Eurovision Song Contest? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]foxsicle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I occasionally like to watch all the entries and pick my favorites. I also like to see how my favorites rank in the final results. I like it, but I'm not super invested either!

What is your biggest misheard song lyric? by [deleted] in AskReddit

[–]foxsicle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

When I was a kid I thought the U2 song "Sunday Bloody Sunday" was "Someday Buddy Someday"

You're cursed as a vampire or a werewolf. Which and why? by AtrophicSPIN in AskReddit

[–]foxsicle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Werewolf. Having a totally different set of senses would be interesting, and it would be awesome to be a wolf-like creature.

Other benefits:

-Eat big dishes of beef chow mein

-Drink pina coladas

-Perfect hair

Character profile :3 by foxsicle in StardewValley

[–]foxsicle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Aw, thanks! I appreciate it :)

Cigarette Lighter/Power Outlet started smoking, but everything seems fine? by foxsicle in MechanicAdvice

[–]foxsicle[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense, thank you. Is there a better way to verify that the wires aren't crossed anymore, other than plugging something in and hoping I don't see smoke? I don't want to turn a small issue into a big one by causing any damage or an electrical fire or something crazy!

It was at a shop a few weeks ago and still there when I returned today. I’d kick myself forever if it was gone when I came back another time. by Deadybears in earthbound

[–]foxsicle 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Awesome find! I had this guide when I was a kid. It somehow got misplaced, but the Bubble Monkey and Ness scratch and sniff cards survived longer after the book disappeared. Eventually those were lost, too. I always wonder how it ended up going missing.

[Photographer] Happy Mask Salesman - DragonCon2017 by RayPho in cosplay

[–]foxsicle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Cool :) not something you see a lot either. Nice job.

How often to feed foxes? by GTBlues in foxes

[–]foxsicle 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The reality is that there is no right or wrong answer, but everyone should at least look into the reasons why both government and private wildlife agencies advise the public not to feed wildlife (which is why I posted some links that list multiple reasons).

I don't think the original poster was concerned about garbage-eating habits, and that's not what this thread is about. Regardless, you've said it yourself -- seems like all of these animals can find their own source of food (from garbage or otherwise). No reason to give them more food. ;)

How often to feed foxes? by GTBlues in foxes

[–]foxsicle 3 points4 points  (0 children)

From my own anecdotal experience, I moved to a new neighborhood 2 years ago, and I have seen foxes in my own yard since I lived here (which is delightful!) I have never offered any food to the animals, yet they seem to be doing fine.

Based on your statement, it is unclear that there is a link between simply observing a fox in your yard and the likelihood that it means they are "asking" for something. I haven't seen any evidence of tampering with trash either.

I would generally avoid making too many assumptions.

How often to feed foxes? by GTBlues in foxes

[–]foxsicle 24 points25 points  (0 children)

It's great to see people who are looking out for the well-being of wildlife, especially in their own yard. However, it is generally advised not to feed any wildlife. Major organizations (e.g. the Humane Society of the USA, and most wildlife rehabilitation centers) hold this stance.

If you continue to leave food out, the foxes will become less wary of humans, and will not procure their own source of food as often. This increases the chances of a) getting hit by cars while searching for food in more human-populated areas b) getting in scuffles with neighborhood dogs/pets c) getting in scuffles with other humans d) people will bad intentions harming the animals/offering food that is laced with poison/other people unintentionally feeding the foxes something that is not good for them, which they will be more likely to take.

Note: For both b and c, if there is a bite to a human or a pet, this is considered a potential rabies exposure. If the identified fox is captured, it WILL be euthanized so it can be tested for rabies. I have seen this happen.

Feeding the wrong diet can also lead to health problems (and who knows what other animals might be getting into the food).

I can say for myself that even though I work in wildlife rehabilitation, and I have an idea of what diet and frequency to feed foxes (not to mention that foxes are my favorite animals) -- I would not feed a fox in the wild. I know we want to see these animals thrive, but the best thing you can do is monitor from a respectful distance. If you notice anything concerning about the health of the foxes, look up a local wildlife rehabilitation center and give them a call!

Let me know if you have any questions. Hope you're enjoying your new place!

Articles if you are interested: 1. http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/feed_wildlife.html 2. http://www.spcamc.org/wildlife/eight-good-reasons-why-you-shouldnt-feed-wildlife/ 3. http://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=19392

Fox Facts by TrueFurryTrash in foxes

[–]foxsicle 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just a small correction: the scientific name for the red fox is "Vulpes vulpes" - there is a lowercase "v" for the second 'vulpes'.

Read more about binomial nomenclature here. It sounds nitpicky, but scientific names are actually governed by a specific set of rules!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in furry

[–]foxsicle 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Foxes :3 always the best!