Encountering a distressed animal in need of help can create a strong desire to step in and help. When two Colorado Springs residents heard the unmistakable screams of puppies that they said were stuck in the storm’s path, their immediate reaction was to call for help. However, their well-intentioned efforts to save what they thought were helpless newborns eventually led to a startling discovery. When firefighters arrived on the scene prepared for a routine animal rescue, they soon realized that the situation was not what it seemed. What they thought were puppies turned out to be packs of wild foxes. This unexpected twist highlights the importance of understanding wildlife behavior and caution when encountering young animals in the wild.
What would you do if you heard the distinct howl of a puppy at its mother while walking past a drain? If you had any affection for animals, you would no doubt look inside to see if there was an adorable animal that needed rescuing.
When two Colorado Springs residents found themselves in this predicament recently, they acted the same way.
Be sure to read this post till the end for the complete video.
When two responsible residents peered into the sewer, they saw what appeared to be a terrifying situation: nine newborn puppies, all alone, stuck there, writhing and crying. In response, residents immediately called the Colorado Springs Fire Department.
When the brave firefighters showed up, they were prepared for a routine animal retrieval – something they often do. Unfortunately, despite their best efforts to preserve the puppies, their actions ended up causing more harm than good.
The firefighter carefully pulled the puppies from the several feet of deep sewer and placed them on a towel for protection. Firefighters took them to a nearby shelter because their mother was still missing. The vet at the shelter gave them some surprising news!
Since red fox kits are said to be black, the nine newborn puppies they brought to the shelter were actually nine feral fox kits.
In the video below, Colorado Parks and Wildlife Officer Travis Sauder explains that red fox mothers give birth to their young in confined outdoor spaces. It’s not uncommon to encounter these litters and other groups of young animals—especially in the spring when most animals in the Colorado Springs area are caring for their young.
Never collect litter for wild animals; always leave them alone!
It is highly likely that their mother is nearby and has not abandoned them. Both the mother and the clutch will get upset if you disturb them or worse, relocate them! Realizing their mistake, the firefighters immediately returned the kits to where they found them. To make sure the mother finally returns, wildlife experts plan to check on the litter regularly. If not, they will be brought to a wildlife rehabilitation specialist where they will be bred in captivity with the goal of eventually releasing them back into the wild.
The story is so amazing that you might not believe it’s true! Watch the video below and see for yourself. Have you ever come across a young wild animal?
In situations where we encounter animals in distress, our instinct is often to help. However, as this story shows, sometimes our best intentions can inadvertently cause harm. Firefighters in Colorado Springs acted with compassion and urgency to save what they thought were helpless pups, only to discover they were actually packs of wild red foxes. This serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding wildlife behavior and resisting the urge to interfere unnecessarily. By leaving wildlife bedding alone and letting nature take its course, we can prevent the unintended separation of cubs from their mothers and the disruption of their natural habitat. It is a lesson in humility and respect for the delicate balance of nature.