Outfoxed

[Worrymon]

Curious fox gets stuck in wheel
Wednesday, May 30, 2007

They are meant to be among the most cunning of all creatures – but a fox cub was left a bit worse for wear after being … er … outfoxed by a car wheel.

The inquisitive creature got stuck fast when he poked his head through the discarded wheel in a back garden.

It is thought the cub – nicknamed Dunlop – may have been trapped for hours trying to extricate himself.

Fortunately, the terrified 12-week-old was spotted by homeowner Kim Strugnelll, who called in wildlife volunteers.

Mr Strugnell said: 'When I first saw the cub, I was expecting him to run away but then I realised he was stuck.

'As I approached, he started to struggle so I called the vet and he gave me the number for Wildlife Aid, who arrived within 30 minutes.

'I didn't do anything to try to free the fox because I thought I could make matters worse.'

Wildlife Aid staff took the wheel and fox from the property in Stoneleigh, near Epsom, Surrey, to their centre in Leatherhead, where they carefully freed him and treated him.

Wildlife Aid founder Simon Cowell said: 'His back claws were worn down to the quick and bleeding where he had been scratching at the tyre and his cheeks and jaw were swollen from pulling his head around in the wheel.'

They later returned Dunlop to the garden, where he lives with his parents and five siblings.

Mr Strugnell, 57, added: 'I was so relieved when he was released.

'It was a lovely sight to see him running back to his family.'

Source

Wildlife Aid founder Simon Cowell said

that he despises American Idol.

[chris]

man I'm glad they got the little guy out, that would have been a terrible way to die. Makes for a cute picture too..

[kellyhound]

Very cute, luckily for the fox someone saw him

[Worrymon]

The sequel...