An unusual story full of trials and tribulations.
First impressions can be deceptive, especially if you’re untrained in wild animal identification.
Animal rescue with a difference
People often think that the fire brigade is often called out to rescue cats from trees. But there is another way.
In this case, Fire Chief Brian Vaughan received an emergency call. He received a report of puppies in a manhole.
The fire brigade immediately mobilised a team to free the little animals from their predicament.
After just 20 minutes, the eight little black balls of fur were safely released.
No puppies
A vet on the scene immediately explained that the eight cubs were not dog cubs, but fox cubs.
The fire brigade who had rushed to the scene were very surprised to learn that they had rescued eight young wild animals and not Labrador puppies as they had assumed.
The small fox cubs, which appeared to have a dark coat colour in the gully, looked very similar to Labrador cubs.
It was only in daylight that the reddish sheen could be properly recognised. As foxes also belong to the canine species, mix-ups are more common.
Although the fox cubs appeared unharmed, they were thoroughly examined.
Frequent mix-ups
Travis Sauder, Colorado Parks and Wildlife District Manager, was not surprised by the discovery.
After all, spring is the time of year when many fox births occur. The cubs are born in dens and other hiding places.
The happy and cheerful foundlings have been returned to the vicinity of the gully. It is hoped that the mother will return soon and follow her maternal instincts.
However, if the mother stays away, the cubs will be taken to a licensed rehabilitation centre.
There they will be cared for until they are old enough to be released into the wild.
Fortunately, most mistakes have a happy ending. But before you intervene yourself, you should consult experts.
If in doubt, they can help to ensure that the right measures are taken.
