“[T]hey were in desperate need of our help” 😰
In spring, it’s common to see young fox cubs leaving their dens to play, explore and follow their siblings around. But when Wildlife Aid received a call about two tiny cubs wandering in someone’s yard during the day, the situation immediately sounded concerning.
The cubs seemed far too small to be out on their own. Even more worrying, the caller noticed a large number of flies coming from beneath a nearby shed.
Before reaching out for help, the homeowner set up trail cameras to see if the mother fox would return. But after several days, there was still no sign of her. The babies were clearly alone and needed rescuers quickly.
Wildlife Aid rescuers Louis and Dan arrived at the property and found the shed where the fox cubs had been hiding. They knew the little animals were vulnerable and that time mattered, so they got straight to work.
Getting the cubs out was difficult. They were tucked beneath the shed in a tight space, and the rescuers had to work carefully so they wouldn’t frighten or hurt them. After nearly an hour of effort, Louis managed to pull out the first cub. Soon after, the second baby was safe in their hands, too.
At first, it seemed like the rescue was complete.
But then Louis used a thermal imaging camera to check under the shed one more time. To his surprise, the camera showed more heat signatures. There were still three smaller, weaker cubs hiding underneath.
Louis reached back under the shed again and again, gently removing each remaining baby. Some of them were cold and fragile, showing just how badly they needed help.
By the end of the rescue, Louis and Dan had saved five fox cubs. Although some were in rougher condition than others, all of them were alive.
The rescuers rushed the tiny family to Wildlife Aid’s hospital, where veterinarian Judith examined each cub carefully. After checking them over, she placed them together in an incubator so they could warm up and rest.
The babies quickly snuggled close to one another and fell asleep.
Some of the fox cubs needed extra medical attention, but all five began improving in care. They still have a long journey ahead before they are strong enough to return to the wild, but their rescuers are hopeful.
For now, the orphaned litter is safe, warm and being cared for every day. Wildlife Aid’s team will continue helping them grow until the moment they can finally return to their natural home.