A badly injured fox cub rescued from an industrial estate is making a good recovery under the care of Nantwich’s RSPCA centre.
The infant suffered a spinal injury, possibly after falling down an embankment, and was unable to stand on his back legs.
He was found at the Augean works site in Port Clarence on July 25 and taken by RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Shane Lynn to a wildlife rehabilitator.
Now he is under the care of staff at RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich near and they plan to release him back into the wild when he has returned to full health.
The rescue comes in a period when it is common to see fox cubs above ground as they learn survival skills.
The RSPCA advises anyone who comes across cubs who appear healthy to monitor them from a distance as their parents may be close.
In this case, the young fox was in distress and needed expert assistance.
When he was first found, a worker on the site carried out a broom test on the injured animal, who was just about able to lift his head.
“The cub didn’t have any puncture wounds or obvious external injuries, but he couldn’t use his rear legs.
“He was literally scooting himself along the floor on his front legs,” said Shane.
“At first I thought he might have broken his pelvis, but the x-rays showed there wasn’t a fracture and fortunately it was only severe bruising and muscle damage.
“He may well have slipped down a muddy embankment at the works site.”
RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre manager Lee Stewart said: “The fox is doing well in our care, but there was some spinal injury from the fall which is now being closely monitored by the team.
“He is receiving anti-inflammatories and pain medication and we are hoping he will make a full recovery so that we can return him home as soon as possible.”
The RSPCA says in most cases the public should not approach injured wildlife like foxes.
But if cubs are in immediate danger then they can be moved to a sheltered spot, after which a check can be made to see if they have been collected by their parents.
“Foxes can bite when they’re scared or in pain so it is best to monitor the situation from a distance and contact a wildlife rehabilitator, if that is possible,” added Shane.
For more information about what to do if you find a fox cub alone see the RSPCA website.
You can support RSPCA Stapeley Grange’s work rehabilitating injured wildlife by visiting here.
Sad to see the young fox suffering, however we are so lucky to have the STAPELEY RSPCA WILDLIFE TEAM close by to help safe it’s life. (Also a call out for the Stapeley RSPCA Cat Rescue team) . Both teams do an amazing job, the staff are humble and provide unconditional support. Times are hard for many people but kindly spend a thought and how we can continue to support our RSPCA teams