Baby fox rescued after getting head stuck in wheel

A fox cub has been rescued after getting its head trapped in a rusty car wheel.

A member of the public spotted the distressed female cub struggling to get free from the wheel in Wolverhampton and called the RSPCA.

Animal rescue officer Charlotte Holder tried but was unable to release it, so she asked firefighters to step in.

They freed the "terrified" fox, which has been recovering at a wildlife rescue centre since her ordeal on 8 April, the RSPCA confirmed.

"In the spring, it's normal to see month-old cubs developing their survival skills above ground during the day," Ms Holder said.

"Their parents are usually nearby, watching. Parent foxes are unlikely to approach the cubs if people are around.

"Vixens will move their litter one by one if they feel the den has been disturbed, and so you may come across cubs then."

Rescuers will release the fox back into the wild when it is ready, Ms Holder added.

She also thanked West Midlands Fire Service for coming to the aid of the animal.

"I'm so grateful to the fire and rescue service for sparing some of their time to help this little fox. She really wouldn't have been able to free herself without help from us all."

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