A fox cub that was discovered hiding inside a broken pipe in a deep ditch on the Isle of Wight is now being cared for by the RSPCA.
After falling down the 6ft deep concrete ditch in Shanklin, the cub, thought to be just 5-weeks-old, had climbed inside the broken pipe to hide, but luckily he was spotted by a local resident.
They noticed him on Friday (12th April) and waited to see if the mother fox was nearby and would collect him, but when there was no sign of her, they called the RSPCA.
It was Animal Collection Officer (ACO) Shirley Bradley who was on hand to help and she was able to put the cub in a carrier and transport him safely to one of the charity’s branches.
ACO Bradley said:
“Sadly, the cub’s Mum was nowhere to be seen, and I was concerned that he might be injured from falling down the ditch, so it was important we took him into our care to check him over.
“Luckily, he wasn’t injured, but because we’re not aware that his Mum is around or if he is orphaned, the safest thing for him was to go to a specialist wildlife centre to be looked after until he is old enough to be released back into the wild.
“He was certainly lucky to be spotted, especially as he was hiding in the pipe. We’re really grateful to the people who found him and called us, they almost certainly saved his life.”
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Anyone who finds a fox cub on its own with its eyes open should first assume it is probably fine, as parents usually stay nearby so the cubs can develop their hunting and survival skills. The RSPCA advises that people who are concerned for a cub could leave a supply of dog food and water nearby and check back in 24 hours, but if the cub is in immediate danger (on a road or somewhere exposed) they could move it to a safe, sheltered spot nearby, handling as little as possible.
However, anyone who finds a fox cub with its eyes still closed, or who knows for a fact the cub is an orphan, or finds an injured wild animal should contact a local wildlife organisation or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999 or as soon as possible.
Thank you for your kindness in rescuing him