Fox Cub Plucked from 6ft Drainage Well at St Helier Hospital
A daring rescue unfolded at St Helier Hospital in Sutton when a fox cub was spotted trapped six feet down a drainage well. The RSPCA swung into action, calling off a dramatic operation to save the stranded cub. Now, they’re warning the public: watch wildlife carefully but don’t meddle unless it’s an emergency.
Trapped Fox Cub Rescued Against The Odds
On May 16, hospital staff spotted the tiny fox stuck deep in a well and immediately called for help. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Yalina Blumer arrived with a ladder and catching tool. Surrounded by onlookers, Blumer managed to snatch the dehydrated, possibly injured cub to safety.
“I had a crowd of people from the hospital watching me and one of them lowered the basket down to me,” said Blumer. “I managed to catch the cub and he was lifted up. He was dehydrated, and I was concerned about a potential leg injury.”
The little fox was rushed to Wildlife Aid in Leatherhead for a vet check. Thankfully, no serious injuries were found. Once fit, the cub was released back into the woodland behind the hospital, near known fox dens.
RSPCA Tackles Series of Fox Cub Emergencies Across South East
Sutton’s rescue is just one of several recent fox crises:
- May 18: ARO Georgia Shelton came to the aid of an injured cub near army barracks in Gillingham, Kent. The cub was stuck for over 24 hours, treated for a paw injury at The Fox Project in Tunbridge Wells and is now on the mend.
- May 23: Another fox cub was found in a Dover garden on Dryden Road. ARO May Bell transported it to a local vet before transfer to The Fox Project. The cub suffered an injured leg, insect bites, and a neck wound.
RSPCA’s Crucial Message: Watch, Don’t Touch
The RSPCA urges calm and caution when encountering fox cubs. Not every lone cub is in trouble.
“If a fox cub is not injured or trapped, it’s best to monitor them for 24 hours in case the mother returns,” the RSPCA said. “If a cub is genuinely in danger, like being trapped down a well, calling us is absolutely the right move.”
They warn that unnecessary handling can cause stress or harm. The public should only phone the RSPCA emergency line at 0300 1234 999 when rescue is essential.
For more tips on fox cub care, head to the RSPCA website.
