RSPCA rescue 'exhausted' fox from St Albans manhole

The animal was discovered by a worker during a morning site inspection, with an RSPCA inspector saying "he had probably been stuck down this hole all night".

After the fox was rescued by RSPCA inspector Nicole Pendrell-Smith, it was taken to a nearby wildlife hospital to be checked over.

Nicole said:  “The poor fox was very weak and his head was drooping towards water which had collected at the bottom of the hole.

"He had probably been stuck down this hole all night and I knew I had to get him out fast.

The manhole where the fox had become stuck. (Image: RSPCA)

“Before I arrived, the worried workers had put down some strapping in the hope the animal would be able to haul himself out, but unfortunately that didn’t work."

Nicole continued, speaking of how the fox's tiredness aided her ability to rescue the animal.

She added: "Because the fox was so lethargic, it was relatively straightforward to hold him in my ‘graspers’ and I was then able to put him into a carrier.

"There was the worrying possibility that he might have hypothermia, so my colleague, animal rescue officer Nick Jonas, took him to South Essex Wildlife Hospital to be cared for.

The fox after it had been rescued. (Image: RSPCA)

“Happily, following a thorough check up, the hospital was able to rehabilitate the fox and he was soon released back into the wild.

"I’d like to thank the St Albans building site staff for reporting the plight of this fox to us, and South Essex Wildlife Hospital for successfully treating and rehabilitating him so that he could return to the wild where he belongs."

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The RSPCA believes the incident highlights the potential danger uncovered traps can pose to wildlife and other animals.

Nicole added: "We often get called to cases of wildlife stuck in drains and holes and this incident does highlight the importance of checking workplaces or gardens for any potential uncovered traps.”

“We often get called to cases of wildlife stuck in drains and holes. (Image: RSPCA)

Advice on how to act if you see a wild animal in distress can be found at: www.rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife