A FOX cub discovered hiding inside a broken pipe, in a deep ditch on the Isle of Wight, is now being cared for by the RSPCA.

After falling down the 6ft-deep concrete ditch in Shanklin, the cub, thought to be just five weeks old, had climbed inside the broken pipe to hide, but luckily he was spotted by a resident.

They noticed him last Friday, and waited to see if the mother fox was nearby and would collect him, but when there was no sign of her, they called the RSPCA.

Animal collection officer (ACO) Shirley Bradley was on hand to help, and she was able to put the cub in a carrier and transport him safely to one of the charity’s branches.

ACO Bradley said: “Sadly, the cub’s mum was nowhere to be seen, and I was concerned that he might be injured from falling down the ditch, so it was important we took him into our care to check him over.

“Luckily, he wasn’t injured, but because we’re not aware if his mum is around or if he is orphaned, the safest thing was for him to go to a specialist wildlife centre to be looked after until he is old enough to be released back into the wild.

“He was certainly lucky to be spotted, especially as he was hiding in the pipe. We’re really grateful to the people who found him and called us, they almost certainly saved his life.”

Anyone who finds a fox cub on its own with its eyes open should first assume it is probably fine, as parents usually stay nearby so the cubs can develop their hunting and survival skills. The RSPCA advises people who are concerned for a cub to leave a supply of dog food and water nearby and check back in 24 hours, but if the cub is in immediate danger (on a road or somewhere exposed) they could move it to a safe, sheltered spot nearby, handling as little as possible.

However, anyone who finds a fox cub with its eyes still closed, or who knows it is an orphan, or finds an injured wild animal, should contact a local wildlife organisation or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 999.

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