She Thought She Was Rescuing An Orphaned Kitten, But She Accidentally Took In A Baby Fox
After seeing an injured or orphaned animal on your property, you may be tempted to bring it inside for some tender love and care.
But, one California woman’s tale is a lesson to all that animals may not always be what they seem.
The Rocklin Police Department, located in northern California, shared the story of a woman who thought she was rescuing a helpless kitten from her backyard.
Instead, the “kitten” was later identified as a baby fox.
“A Rocklin resident got quite a surprise last week after realizing a tiny ‘kitten’ she had rescued turned out to be a fox kit,” the police department shared on Facebook.
Apparently, a “concerned family member” reached out to the police department after seeing the fox kit.
Animal Control promptly responded and relocated the baby fox to Gold Country Wildlife Rescue, located in Auburn, California, where it is now receiving care.
And while the woman was only trying to help, the Rocklin Police Department shared important advice for people who come into contact with injured or orphaned wildlife.
Facebook; pictured above is the baby fox that the woman thought was a kitten
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First, the department recommends finding and contacting a wildlife rehabilitator in your area. You can find a state-by-state directory via the United States Humane Society or Animal Help Now.
Next, while you wait for responders to retrieve the animal, make sure to keep it in an adequate environment.
“Keep the animal in a warm (NOT HOT), dark, quiet place away from children and animals or pets,” the department advises.
After all, you never know if the animal is flighty due to distress or carrying a disease. And finally, you do not want any human interaction to accidentally further injure or distress the animal.
For a more comprehensive list of tips for navigating wildlife rescue situations, visit the Humane Society’s resource guide linked here.
The organization outlines how to determine if an animal is truly in need of care and how to proceed afterward, depending on the species.
And to read the entire Facebook post published by Rocklin Police Department, visit the link here.
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More About:Animals