A daring rescue took place at St Helier Hospital in Sutton when a fox cub was discovered trapped six feet down a drainage well. The RSPCA quickly responded to the call and successfully saved the stranded cub. Following the rescue, the RSPCA has advised the public to watch wildlife carefully but not to intervene unless there is an emergency.
On May 16, hospital staff noticed the small fox cub stuck deep inside the drainage well and immediately sought assistance. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Yalina Blumer arrived on the scene equipped with a ladder and a catching tool. Surrounded by hospital staff and onlookers, Blumer managed to safely retrieve the dehydrated and possibly injured cub.
“I had a crowd of people from the hospital watching me and one of them lowered the basket down to me,” said Blumer. “I managed to catch the cub and he was lifted up. He was dehydrated, and I was concerned about a potential leg injury.”
The rescued fox cub was rushed to Wildlife Aid in Leatherhead for a veterinary examination. Fortunately, no serious injuries were found. Once deemed fit, the cub was released back into the woodland behind St Helier Hospital, close to known fox dens.
This rescue is one of several recent fox cub emergencies handled by the RSPCA across the South East. On May 18, Animal Rescue Officer Georgia Shelton assisted an injured cub near army barracks in Gillingham, Kent. That cub had been trapped for over 24 hours and was treated for a paw injury at The Fox Project in Tunbridge Wells and is now recovering.
On May 23, another fox cub was found in a garden on Dryden Road in Dover. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer May Bell transported the cub to a local vet before transferring it to The Fox Project. This cub suffered an injured leg, insect bites, and a neck wound.
The RSPCA stresses the importance of caution when encountering fox cubs. Not every lone cub is in distress. “If a fox cub is not injured or trapped, it’s best to monitor them for 24 hours in case the mother returns,” the RSPCA advised. “If a cub is genuinely in danger, like being trapped down a well, calling us is absolutely the right move.” They warn that unnecessary handling can cause stress or harm to the animals.
The public is encouraged to only contact the RSPCA emergency line at 0300 1234 999 when a rescue is essential. For more information and advice on fox cub care, visit the RSPCA website.
Originally published by UKNIP.
