A few weeks ago, Grand Teton National Park rangers started getting reports of foxes stealing shoes from campers. So, they put up some signs asking folks to not keep their shoes outside their tents. Apparently, this backfired a little, because people started baiting the foxes with their shoes, hoping to catch a glimpse of the cute, mischievous thieves. The park posted a funny PSA to social media about the situation.
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“After 19 shoes went missing, we made signs asking folks to store their footwear in tents, vehicles, or bear boxes,” wrote Grand Teton National Park in its Instagram post sharing the video. “Now? The fox’s stash is up to 32.”
[RELATED: Unexpected Thief Caught on Camera Stealing Kids’ Shoes in Japan]
In case you’re wondering what on Earth foxes want with human shoes—same. The rangers at Grand Teton don’t know either, but they’re holding firm that although this is funny behavior, it’s not good for the foxes long term.
“Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: the more time this fox spends around humans, the more dangerous things get for the fox,” the park wrote. “Even unintentional behavior like leaving shoes out ‘just in case he visits’ teaches wildlife that people = opportunity. And that can lead to relocation . . . or worse.”
See the funny video from Grand Teton National Park about how people should stop leaving their shoes out for foxes to steal here:
Header stock image by Wendy/Jeff Sparks/Torquemada/Getty Images
