Staff at RSPCA Stapeley Grange in Nantwich are nursing this tiny fox cub which was found abandoned in the middle of a busy road.
Now the London Road centre is preparing for more fox cub arrivals in Spring with cuddly toys and comfort blankets.
The cub, thought to be a few weeks old, was picked up by an RSPCA inspector after she was found crying out for her parents in Sheffield.
She was responsive but very scared and her parents could not be seen nearby.
The cub has now been taken to the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich where staff initially hand fed her.
She is now doing really well and taking food on her own.
Staff at Stapeley Grange have set up a room with stuffed toys and carriers ready for the Spring fox cub arrivals.
On arrival to the centre, fox cubs remain isolated for seven days before they can be introduced to other cubs, so a stuffed toy can give them a little comfort in what can be a very stressful time for them.
Lee Stewart, manager at Stapeley Grange, said: “It is sad that this cub had to come to us for care rather than grow up in the wild but we are so grateful to any member of the public that takes the time to contact us about animals they fear need help.
“However, it is important to remember that not all young animals need rescuing as some would be better off being left where they are and monitored for as long as possible.
“Every year wildlife centres across the country are inundated with young wild animals after people, with the best of intentions, believe them to be orphaned or abandoned and bring them in.
“Our advice is that if you see a lone baby wild animal, unless it is obviously injured or in immediate danger from predators or traffic, monitor the situation from afar as it may not need rescuing.
“Young animals have a much greater chance of survival if they remain with their mothers.
“If you find a fox cub on its own and its eyes are open, it’s probably fine – the parents will usually be nearby. Leave a supply of dog food and water
nearby and check again after 24 hours.
“If the cub is in immediate danger – on a road or somewhere very exposed – move it to a sheltered, safe spot nearby, handling it as little as possible.”
Foxes that become used to humans do not survive in the wild.
If you are concerned about an uninjured fox cub, or you have found a cub and its eyes are still closed, please contact the RSPCA on our 24-hour cruelty and advice line on 0300 1234 999.
Click here for more information on orphaned wildlife.
To support the work of Stapeley Grange, donate online at www.justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/rspcahq/stapeleygrange
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