Dead foxes and squirrels pose a mystery to the Millcreek neighborhood

MILLCREEK – A Millcreek neighborhood is confused by strange things happening to foxes and squirrels where they live.

Neighbors have reported five dead foxes and three dead squirrels to the Department of Wildlife Resources, but no one knows what killed them.

The neighborhood is near 4500 South and Highland Drive and borders a large park owned by Salt Lake County. Neighbors report fox sightings there regularly, and the area is adjacent to a Macey’s with dumpsters.

In recent weeks, neighbor Sue Hall said she had seen sickly-looking foxes, and another neighbor, Jamie Walker, had three squirrels found dead in virtually the same spot in his yard.

A third neighbor had a dead squirrel in his yard on April 14th.

A sign informing residents that foxes are visiting the area. (KSL TV)

The Department of Wildlife Resources said April 6 that it had gone to investigate a red fox that had been reported alive but lying in a pasture.

Millcreek Meadows, a nearby mental health facility, said the fox ran and collapsed, so they had it tested. The report contained no evidence of poison or attack.

But Walker said the dead squirrels in his yard were strange; two have died in the last 24 hours alone.

“We’re worried that our pets might get into it or that the kids might want to pick it up because (the squirrels) don’t look like they’re dead,” he said.

One of the dead squirrels in Walker’s backyard. (Courtesy of Jamie Walker)

Neighbors fear the squirrels may get poison from rodents used to protect the chickens or some other substance that makes them sick and may be eaten by the foxes.

“Residents need to know that the pellets you purchase to kill mice and rats on your property can kill other animals in the food chain,” said Hall, who owns Serendipity Stables.

DWR said there was no evidence of this, but it was also not possible to test any carcasses.

A Millcreek Meadows trail camera captured a coyote in the area and workers report fox skulls were found.

DWR wants anyone who finds multiple dead wildlife to contact them immediately. The number for the Millcreek area office is 801-476-2740