Fox Rescued After Getting Trapped in Backyard Fence

Foxes, like other wild animals, serve an essential role in the ecosystem. Specifically, foxes keep rodent populations under control. More foxes are being drawn to residential areas today than ever before, given their habitat loss. As a result, they are coming into contact with people and navigating unfamiliar landscapes. These landscapes can get them into trouble from time to time, as happened to a fox who got his leg stuck in a backyard fence. However, thanks to the efforts of a kind family, the fox was saved and became a friend for life.

A Fox Was Saved After Its Leg Was Stuck In A Fence

Wild animals often struggle to navigate fences. They notice the openings and try to wiggle their way through or attempt to scale them unsuccessfully. In both instances, the animals get caught, and if the fence is out in desolate areas, the chances of survival for the animal are slim. The fate of one fox looked bleak as he was caught in a fence with his leg twisted on the rod iron. Dangling in the air, there was nothing he could do to escape. However, thanks to the kindness of one family, the fox got a second chance at life.

A YouTube video that has gone viral in a matter of weeks shows a distressed fox with its leg twisted in a fence. Clearly in pain and scared, the fox attempts to bite and scratch at a man working to save him. But, thanks to some quick thinking, the man puts a catchpole in such a position that the fox can bite and focus on the pole as he works to free the fox. After some effort, the fox is removed from the fence and taken to an animal rescue to check the extent of his injuries.

The Fox Required A Bit Of TLC After Being Rescued

The injured fox was taken to a local wildlife animal rescue, where it was checked over to see the extent of the injuries it sustained. Fortunately, the leg was not in bad shape, and the fox was overall fairly healthy. Wildlife rescue personnel kept the fox for four days to get it back in optimal condition. Not only did the fox receive some medications, but it was also given large meals, a comfortable place to sleep, attention, and a bath.

Surprisingly, the fox did not mind being bathed and thoroughly enjoyed being blow-dried, falling asleep on its back in the process. The fox’s behavior made the family want to keep it, but they knew the right thing to do was to return it to the wild.

The Fox Had To Be Released Back Into The Wild

The fox was brought back to the home from which it was rescued to be set free. This would allow the fox to return to its original habitat, where it had lived before becoming stuck in the gate.

Because the fox was wild to begin with, the goal was always to return it to the wild if it had not sustained injuries that would make it impossible to survive. Fortunately, for this fox, it was just a short time in the rehab clinic getting rest before it was deemed healthy. Some animals brought to rescue organizations are not as fortunate. These animals may have sustained injuries that will not heal. In this case, it is more humane to euthanize them rather than to make them suffer.

In other instances, wild animals brought to rescues were kept illegally as pets. While it may just take proper nutrition and care to get these animals healthy again, because the animals grew up dependent on people, there is no instinct to hunt, protect themselves, or know what to be afraid of. Consequently, these animals will have to remain in the care of a rescue organization rather than be returned to a traditional wild habitat, as they would not survive.

In the case of the fox, the fox was returned to the home where it was found in a carrier and set free. The fox did not hesitate and ran off, pointing to the fact that a correct decision was made to release the fox rather than attempt to keep it in captivity.

After Being Rescued, The Fox Returned

Despite the fox being released back into the wild, it was not ready to say goodbye to the family that saved it. Instead, the fox became a permanent fixture at the home, likely recognizing that the property was a safe place to be.

After being released, the fox returned to the property where it had gotten hurt. The owners of the property, who had saved the fox, gave it food. This began a cycle of the fox returning to the home to be fed. Over a short time, the fox was not only returning for food. It lay in the yard in the sunshine. The fox even sought affection from its rescuers. It seemed as though the fox was not only grateful to have a place to spend its days but grateful to those who saved it.

The idea of whether animals can show gratitude has long been debated. While some believe that animals, whether domestic or not, lack the emotional intelligence to be grateful, others believe that animals are very capable of expressing gratitude. This is because different studies, be it a study on primates or domesticated animals, have shown that snuggling, settling in near people, or even giving hugs are ways of showing appreciation.

In the case of the fox, it showed gratitude to the family who saved it by coming by for affection, running to see them when they went outdoors, offering its paw to be held, and even giving kisses. The fox appeared to have recognized just how lucky it was the day it got rescued, and was not going to miss the opportunity to let the family know just how much it appreciated their kindness at every turn.

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