Urgent Rescue Efforts Underway for Fox Trapped in Plastic Tube

UPDATE: An urgent rescue operation is underway for a fox spotted in Broomall, Pennsylvania, with a piece of plastic tubing stuck around its neck. Residents and animal rescuers are rallying for the animal’s safety after local resident Bill Shuker captured video footage of the distressed fox near his chicken coop at 2 a.m. on October 1.

The footage, which went viral among community members, shows the fox struggling with the tubing, raising alarms about its ability to eat and hydrate. Colleen Bell, president of Good Boy Dog Recovery, reported that the obstruction appears to be corrugated plastic piping, likely acquired while scavenging for food or attempting to enter a shelter. “The longer he has it on, the more difficult it’s going to be for him to hydrate and eat,” Bell stated. “With winter approaching, there’s a real urgency to remove it.”

The rescue group, initially focused on dog recovery, is now utilizing its resources, including humane traps, live surveillance cameras, tracking equipment, and thermal drone technology, to locate and assist the fox. Bell emphasized the importance of community involvement but cautioned against approaching the animal. “It’s incredibly important that people do not approach the fox,” she warned. “They could bite, and we don’t want anyone getting injured.”

The fox’s current location is still unknown, but the group is collaborating with the Pocono Wildlife and Rehab Center to devise a trapping plan. Bell urged the public to report any sightings promptly, including the date, time, and direction of travel, to facilitate the rescue efforts.

Shuker, who has observed predators near his coop before, noted that so far, his chickens remain safe due to their secure coop. “Fortunately for the chickens, they go inside at a certain time, and the door shuts,” he explained.

As the situation develops, residents are encouraged to stay vigilant and report sightings to Good Boy Dog Recovery while maintaining a safe distance from the fox. The community’s swift action could be crucial in saving the animal before winter conditions exacerbate its plight.

Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent rescue story unfolds.