RSPCA issues warning to gardeners after Yeovil fox caught in netting
The fox had been tangled up, but was thankfully released back into the wild
Last updated 2nd Jun 2024
The RSPCA has issued a stern warning on being considerate when using netting after a fox was seen tangled in a garden net.
A homeowner, who works for the RSPCA in Somerset, from Yeovil had spotted the fox, who had become trapped in the netting by her hind legs.
The netting had been used to protect plants that had been growing in the garden, but soon became a snare for the fox, who was eventually released and let back into the wild.
Animal Rescue Officer Alison Sparkes, who cut the fox free before taking her to specialists at the charity, said that the more she struggled, the tight the netting became around her.
"She’d become twisted in the netting and was unable to free herself, the more she struggled to get herself free, the more trapped she’d become," Sparkes said.
"She was very lively so extra care was taken not to hurt her, or get injured. After checking for signs of dependent cubs, I took her to RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre. She was released back near where she was found two days later."
The fox, having been seen in some distress, has now returned to her life in the wild, but the RSPCA have asked gardeners to be careful when thinking of using netting.
"We hope that seeing how distressed this fox was reminds people that netted fencing and netting used for gardening or in sport can be really dangerous for animals," Sparkes added.
Those who use netting for sports purposed are being asked to store the netting away after being used, so that similar incidents do not happen again.
Anyone who uses netting for gardening is being urged to reconsider its use and to instead use other options, such as solid metal mesh, so that animals are not harmed.