Fox comes to visit in Norwalk

NORWALK — Norwalk Public Library hosted a "Foxes in Folklore" event showcasing Rigby, a three-year-old red fox, with his handler, Rachel Robertson of the Ohio Canid Center. Rigby, who has lived at the Licking County educational wildlife facility as an "ambassador fox" nearly all of his life, drew a crowd of 150 children and adults to the April 16 event in the library's main reading room. With Rigby sitting on a chair next to her, Robertson presented a brief slide show about fox habitats, types of foxes and their role in the animal kingdom. The Canid Center, located in Heath, is a US Department of Agriculture and Ohio Department of Natural Resources permitted facility that offers program events around Ohio, on-site walks and encounters with animals, including wolves, plus photography sessions. Robertson noted that Rigby "has done this all his life," and is comfortable with his ambassadorial role, traveling to schools, libraries, and other events. "He really likes riding in the car — he comes along in his crate and falls right asleep," she added.