A fox cub trapped six feet down a drainage well at St. Helier Hospital in Sutton has been rescued in a dramatic operation by the RSPCA, who are now urging the public to monitor—rather than move—uninjured wildlife.
The incident occurred on May 16, when hospital staff spotted the young animal stranded at the bottom of a deep well and raised the alarm. RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer (ARO) Yalina Blumer responded and safely extracted the cub using a ladder and a catching grasper.
“I had a crowd of people from the hospital watching me and one of them lowered the basket down to me,” said ARO 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 cub was taken to Wildlife Aid in Leatherhead, where a veterinary check-up confirmed he had escaped serious injury. Once cleared for release, ARO Blumer returned to woodland behind the hospital, where the fox was safely released near known fox dens.
A Series of Fox Cub Incidents Across the South East
The rescue in Sutton is one of several recent fox-related callouts for the RSPCA:
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On May 18, ARO Georgia Shelton rescued an injured cub near an army barracks in Gillingham, Kent. The cub, which had remained in the same spot for over 24 hours, was treated for a paw injury at The Fox Project in Tunbridge Wells and is expected to make a full recovery.
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On May 23, a third cub was found in Dover, in a garden on Dryden Road. ARO May Bell transported the fox to a local vet before it was transferred to The Fox Project. It was treated for an injured leg, insect bites, and a neck wound.
RSPCA Advice to the Public: Watch, Don’t Touch
The RSPCA is reminding the public that not all fox cubs found alone are in distress.
“If a fox cub is not injured or trapped, it’s best to monitor them for 24 hours in case the mother returns,” a spokesperson said. “In cases where a cub is in danger, such as being trapped down a well, it’s absolutely right to call us.”
The animal welfare charity warns against unnecessary interference, as handling cubs can cause stress and potentially harm the animal. The public is urged to call the RSPCA emergency line on 0300 1234 999 only when intervention is necessary.
For further advice on fox cub welfare, visit the RSPCA website.
