WATCH: Collapsed Fox Rescue St Leonards

Working in wildlife rescue is not easy at times.

Yesterday morning, we received a call about a fox in St Leonards. The public had discovered the fox with its head stuck between a large pole and a brick wall. Due to high demand on other local rescue services, WRAS dispatched an ambulance to assist with the situation. Although they managed to free the fox before our rescuers arrived, the animal was having difficulty standing and raising its head.

The finders waited patiently, keeping an eye on the fox from a distance to ensure it was still alive until help arrived.

Rescuers must handle all casualties with caution, as animals can’t talk to us assessment is hard than with a human. Although neck injuries are typically muscular in these situations, this fox sadly passed away shortly after arriving at WRAS’s hospital during the vet’s assessment and treatment.

If you come across any animal which is trapped or entangled. It is often the finder’s initial instinct to free them and if not done so well enough this can cause further problems – we are not saying that happened on this occasion.

For smaller casualties try to cover them over with a blanket or large towel so they are in the dark, this will help to reduce down struggling and help calm them down. For larger animals, keep out of their line of sight.

Trapped animals will always struggle more in the presence of humans as they are frightened. Keep out of eye sight, minimize noise, and request that everyone, including pets, stay back. Rescuers can then safely release them in a manner that promotes the animals’ recovery. It’s simpler to handle a trapped casualty than to locate and capture a free or semi-mobile one.

After investing time and effort into rescuing animals, it can be heart-breaking when they do not survive or need to be euthanized due to severe injuries. Nonetheless, it’s comforting to know that the fox was rescued, provided safety, warmth, comfort, security, pain relief, and is now free from suffering. WRAS has a well trained Care Team which includes two veterinary surgeons which help, to ensure that casualties are give the best chance, are given suitable medication quickly, and also do not suffer unnecessarily.

Please help support WRAS by making a donation or by helping to raise funds, please check out our new website at www.wildlifeambulance.org, where you can also sign up for our e-mail newsletters.

Reg Charity 1108880