The Scottish SPCA is appealing to the public to stop picking up fox cubs and taking them in to their homes.
We are also asking members of the public to wait and observe the animals to avoid unnecessary admissions to our National Wildlife Rescue Centre.
Every year, we see cubs come in to our care who don’t actually need their help.
Scottish SPCA centre manager, Chris Hogsden, said, “We are reminding the public to be wildlife wise around fox cubs as we come in to the busy spring and summer months at our wildlife hospital.
“If you see a baby fox that you think needs help, please monitor them from a safe distance before intervening.
“If a fox does need assistance, please call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999 for advice.
“We are asking members of the public not to take fox cubs home.
“Last year we cared for 10 cubs who had been found by well-meaning people in their gardens and taken in to their homes.
“They were often fed human food and milk which caused them a lot of discomfort through bloating. Some people even kept the animals for several days before contacting us.
“Once a fox comes in to our care in the spring, they will be rehabilitated for five to six months and most wild animals can be very stressed in captivity.
“We can only release foxes at a time of year when they would naturally disperse in to the wild. We also need to ensure they are presenting natural behaviours, are fit, strong, and have reached a healthy weight.
“If we are contacted after a fox has been taken from their family for several days, the chances of reuniting them with their pack are slim.
“When members of the public let this time pass, we have to rehabilitate the animal so that they will survive on their own.
“Recently a fox was in a garden for just one hour before being unnecessarily lifted, and another was taken into someone’s home because they thought the cub was a kitten.
“All wild animals should have minimal interaction with humans.
“Both these cubs will now be in our care until we know they will survive a life back in the wild.
“If you see a wild animal that might need help, please always keep your distance and call our helpline in the first instance for advice before intervening.”
