Two Colorado Springs residents were walking by a storm drain and heard a puppy whimpering, looking for its mother. They decided to go see if the cute creature needed rescuing.
While looking into the sewer, the two responsible citizens witnessed what appeared to be a terrible situation: nine newborn puppies were stuck inside, burrowing and whimpering, and their mother was not around. Citizens immediately called the Colorado Springs Fire Department.
When firefighters arrived on scene, they prepared for a typical animal rescue that they perform quite frequently. They came to rescue the puppies, but unfortunately their actions caused more harm than good.
The puppies were carefully pulled out of the sewer, and the firefighter placed them on a towel for safety. Their mother was still nowhere to be found, so the firefighters took them to a local animal shelter. At the shelter, the veterinarian gave them the shocking news!
The nine newborn puppies they brought to the shelter actually turned out to be nine wild foxes.
Travis Sauder of Colorado Parks and Wildlife explained that foxes usually bring their young into small enclosed spaces. This type of brood is quite common to see, especially in the spring.
If you ever find a brood of wildlife, don’t touch them!
Chances are good that their mother is nearby and has not abandoned them. If you disturb the young or move them, both the young and the mother will suffer!
When the firefighters discovered their mistake, they quickly returned the hatchlings to where they were found. They plan to check on the brood periodically to make sure the mother eventually returns. If not, they will be taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center to be raised in captivity and released back into the wild in the future.
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