Four fox cubs, each enduring severe injuries after tumbling into deep concrete pits, are currently under the care of a wildlife center.
According to the RSPCA, the first cub was rescued from a construction site in Cannock on April 29th, followed by another the next day, and two more on May 1st.
Upon discovery, workers alerted the charity after finding the cubs stranded at the base of 19.6ft (6m) pits, coated in oil.
Although believed to be from the same litter, their mother is presumed to have perished.
Sophie Taylor, an animal rescue officer with the RSPCA, shared, “It was a steep descent, and I was amazed but relieved to find they hadn’t broken any bones. The pits were huge and they were difficult to spot at first, but they were well and truly stranded down there, there was absolutely no way out for them.”
The fox cubs are currently under the care of a dedicated team at the RSPCA’s Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich, where they are expected to undergo a full recovery.
Lee Stewart, the center manager, mentioned that upon their arrival, the cubs were covered in oil and emitted a strong chemical odor from their coats. He added, “They’ll be carefully monitored by our wildlife team and will be with us for about six months. They’ll be joined over time by other fox cubs, most of whom will also have been orphaned.”
Following their recovery, the team will work to find a secure environment where the fox cubs can be released and provided support as they transition into establishing their own territories.
The RSPCA has stated that workers at the site where the cubs were discovered will endeavor to seal entry points and remain vigilant for any additional cubs in need of assistance.
Despite conducting a comprehensive search of the surrounding area, no other foxes were spotted, as confirmed by the RSPCA.