Baby fox - what would you have done?

[Box_Of_Frogs]

I know I'll get accused of being a bunny/tree hugger but driving to the yard this afters, after a traumatic morning at the vets with Spencer (cat), saw something that has left me upset all day. To get to the yard I drive across a "mountain" road, single track tarmac, hardly ever see another car. Almost back into civilisation again, I spotted something moving in the scrubby grass at the edge of the road. I stopped for a better look and it was a fox cub, no more than 10 weeks or so old. It was wanging down with rain and he was just nosing miserably about in the grass, then across the road, then into a culvert, then back into the road again. Poor little lad was thin and soaked and when I got out of the car he wasn't as afraid of me as he should have been. Bit wary but that was all. It was clear he had no mum and he either hadn't been taught about humans or he was sicker than I thought. I had a vague idea that if I could get close enough I could chuck a coat over him and take him to the yard and put him in an empty stable, warm, dry and fed until I could speak with a wildlife rescue centre. Cars started to back up either side of my car standing in the middle of the road with the warning lights flashing. I couldn't get close enough and I feel sick that I couldn't help him. I bet his mother was trapped or run over. Over the next few days he will die a terrible lonely death by hypothermia and starvation. Poor little lad. Could I have done anything better?

:

 

[shellonabeach]

I would have done the same thing myself, I regularly pick up wildlife from the road if safe to do so - like you I use my car as a shield.

The only thing you can possibly do IMO is contact the RSPCA about it or as its on the way to your yard keep an eye out to see if it is hanging around and have another go at catching it. If it's situation is bad, mother gone starving etc it should weaken and you may be able to get closer to it.

You did your best for it and shouldn't beat yourself up for not being able to catch it.

 

[ISHmad]

You did all you could at that moment. Shellonabeach is right, phone the RSPCA or if you have anything like Tiggywinkles in your area they too may be able to help. Otherwise keep a close eye out en route to and from teh yard to see if you see the cub again.

I guess something else you could do is put some cat or dog food down in that area?

 

[eahotson]

Yes I would have done that too.Good idea ringing RSPCA or leaving somefood down.Poor little chap.

 

[MagicMelon]

shellonabeach - Same as what she said. I would definately have tried to pick it up (maybe waited until the road had a quiet moment), otherwise would have phoned the RSPCA but I bet they would have simply put it down... Best people would be a local animal sanctuary / rescue, they tend to be more willing to actually keep saved animals alive

 

[hellybelly6]

I would have done the same. There is nothing wrong in showing compassion and empathy for another living creature.

Its better to be a bunny hugger than a bunny boiler.

 

[stencilface]

I would have done the same too

My friend looks after some foxes that are used for filming and education in schools - they are tame enough, but not really if you know what I mean. They are all very cute though, and although they are not wild, they have a good life.

 

[stacey_lou]

I would of picked the little chap up and taken him home then called the rspca or someone like that.
The other week I had to kill a bird beacuse I was walking down the street amd I saw it get clipped by a car so with out thinking I steped into the middle of the road (missing a car lol) picked this thrush up and the poor thing would not have survived it and went into shock so I snaped its neck.
I felt so bad after but knew that I did the best for him and that he wouldnt suffer.
At the end of the day you do whats right at the time.

 

[k9h]

It's mother will of probably been in the process of moving them.

They pick up one cub move it to a hedge row then go back for another cub & move that to a hedge row & so forth. So I wouldn't worry to much is Mum cold be about & he just hadn't sat tight. She will find him if she is still around.

 

[ticobay831]

I would also have done the same, im always picking up injured and sick animals not happy unless ive got somthing to care for

Just shows your a very kind hearted person nothing wrong with that

Debs x

 

[ladyt25]

I would have done the same but as K9H said, its mother could have been about. I would have done what I can but at the end of the day mother nature can be cruel.

I would have thought though, had the mother been run over she would have been around on the road you were on (unless there is another one close by) otherwise would seem odd the cub was there at all.

I would just keep your eyes peeled in case its still about but, at the end of the day you did what you could. I feel guilty on regular occasions dirivng to work if I pass something (badger/fox etc) byt the side of the road. I have this sick fear that what if it's not dead and I've just driven past?!

Plus, caring about an animal's welfare/wellbeing doesn't make you a 'bunny hugger' (I am still unsure as to what that actually means!!!)

 

[jendie]

Well done for trying, there is nothing more you could have done.

 

[Hedwards]

Ditto K9H - Foxes regularly move dens, the vixen probably had more then one cub and was in the process of moving them. most wildlife agencies will say you did exactly the right thing by not picking it up, but calling the RSPCA or local wildlife agency may be a good thing as they know what to do for the best.

Also as harsh as this sounds - if the cub has been abandoned by its mother - there may be a reason for it - unfortunatley nature can be pretty horrible!

Well done for caring, but dont get upset about it - you've done the right thing, Caring about wildlife doesnt make you a bunny hugger!

 

[Scribbles]

Aww, poor mite.

Agree with the others, ring local wildlife sanctuaries, and maybe go put some cat food down, wait for him to show up.