Stow away fox survives undetected on two-week transatlantic cargo ship crossing

A red fox that managed to sneak onto a cargo ship before it set off from the English port of Southampton, managed to successfully avoid detection on the 14-day crossing before finally being discovered by US officials at the port of New York and New Jersey.

With typical cunning, the animal – which is thought to be around two-years-old – was able to remain hidden from the crew of the vessel that was heavily laden with auto-mobiles throughout the 3,400 mile journey across open ocean.

Port officers and U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents found the fox during routine inspections of the cargo – minus its boarding pass! How he boarded remains unknown, and officials are still awaiting details from agencies involved in the inspection process.

The stow-away was in surprisingly good health having endured the Atlantic crossing. He weighed around 11 pounds (5kg), normal for a young adult male red fox, suggesting it hadn’t suffered any severe malnutrition. Experts attribute that to his natural resilience, hardiness and stress tolerance.

Red foxes are well-known for their adaptability and opportunistic feeding habits – they are omnivores and scavengers meaning that they can survive on very little and will eat almost anything available: scraps, insects, produce, or even small rodents that might also be aboard. Crew members could even unknowingly provided food sources themselves.

The species also have low water needs, being able to go long periods with minimal water, getting moisture from various food sources. Surviving in a confined, unfamiliar environment which although stressful, would be perfectly within the animal’s capabilities, using its ability to squeeze into tight spaces, and utilising the shelter available within the ship’s large cargo area, where there would have been plenty of dark, enclosed spaces for a fox to hide, stay warm, and avoid detection.

The discovery prompted a coordinated response involving agriculture specialists, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to ensure its safe transfer into the care of the Bronx Zoo in New York, where it currently is being housed in the Animal Health Center.

Veterinary staff reported signs of slight stress, but added that he is settling in well. Keith Lovett, the zoo’s director of animal programs, remarked that the fox “has gone through a lot” but appears to be “adapting well” to his temporary environment. 

Once everyone is satisfied his health is okay, wildlife experts and zoo officials will determine a suitable long-term home, because whilst the Bronx Zoo frequently assists with animals found at local ports, it may involve placement in another accredited facility equipped to care for red foxes.

Red foxes are among the most widespread carnivorous mammals on Earth common in both rural and urban environments. They are thriving across Europe, Asia, North America, and parts of Africa. 

A spokesperson for Associated British Ports (ABP) Southampton said: “The Port of Southampton handles everything from cars to containers to cruises, but even we were surprised to find a fox had booked itself a transatlantic crossing. “Clearly it fancied swapping the Solent for the Staten Island Ferry, although next time we’d recommend it considers the Queen Mary 2, which offers the Southampton to New York route with considerably more comfort!”