A group of clever and furry thieves are causing trouble for campers and vacationers at Great Blue Heron Provincial Park, located about 50 kilometers north of Prince Albert. Sonnet McGuire, the park manager, has received reports of missing shoes since early July. Visitors have stumbled upon lone shoes left in various places like bushes, roadsides, and even near the boat launch. The culprits behind these thefts are a pack of cunning foxes with a penchant for footwear.
McGuire revealed that there are five foxes roaming the campground, actively stealing people’s shoes this year. While this behavior is not new, the frequency of thefts has increased significantly. Initially, the park stored the lost shoes in the campground office, but due to the growing number, they had to switch to outdoor storage bins. McGuire estimated that around 70 shoes were in the bin on a recent day, with over 100 likely passing through this summer.
The situation has turned into a scavenger hunt within the campground, with people stumbling upon missing shoes during their walks. McGuire recounted an incident where two foxes seemed to be orchestrating a theft, with one acting as a lookout while the other snatched a shoe before they both fled. Camper Brenda Andres witnessed a fox carrying a shoe across the road, reinforcing the need to keep shoes indoors.
Meanwhile, cottager Rachelle Kelln finds amusement in the foxes’ antics, considering it a fun game. Despite having discovered multiple shoes on her property and nearby roads, including pricey brands like Adidas Sambas, Kelln remains unfazed. Visitors are now cautioned to safeguard their shoes indoors as the mischievous foxes continue their thieving spree at the park.
