(ECNS) - A non-governmental organization has released about 400 domesticated foxes into the wild of east China's Jiangxi province, causing trouble for villagers and creating doubts about whether freeing the animals is beneficial.
The Beijing-based NGO bought about 800 foxes, which were being farmed for their skin and fur, and set some of them free at Tianlong mountain in Jiangxi's Quannan county.
The NGO got the required approvals for quarantine and transportation before releasing the animals, the Beijing Youth Daily reported.
But an employee at the local forestry administration said the large number of foxes could threaten the ecological balance of the area, and that the animals may not be able to survive in the wild.
The NGO has started recapturing the foxes due to concerns from local residents. The forestry administration has also captured about 100 foxes, and plans to train them to survive in the wild before releasing them again.
Some Chinese people believe that setting foxes free can bring happiness and luck.
Activists have formed online forums and groups on QQ, a popular instant messaging software, to share information about fox farms and to organize plans to rescue foxes.
Depending on its breed, a fox can sell for 300 to 1,000 yuan ($160). Some farms have profited from activists rescuing foxes, which has caused prices to rise, according to reports.
