Abandoned 'puppy' found in Gosport was actually fox cub

A member of the public found a young fox cub in Gosport that had been abandoned by its mother, and mistook the young animal for a puppy.

The cub was taken to a local vets who confirmed the creature was actually a fox.

The fox was then taken to Brent Lodge Wildlife Hospital based near Chichester in West Sussex.

The centre is currently caring for ten fox cubs as well as hundreds of other sick or injured wildlife including birds, hedgehogs, rabbits and ducklings.

A spokesperson from the centre said: "Our busiest season is just starting and the first of our seasonal influx of sick, injured or orphaned wildlife casualties has already started to arrive, including the first batch of young fox cubs of the year.

"The young cub joined another ten cubs and hundreds of other wildlife casualties at the hospital who already in our care.

"Young wildlife is best reared with others of their own species so that they can develop social skills while growing up.

"It is essential that these fox cubs do not imprint on to people, or for them to associate people with food so staff handle the cubs as little as possible.

"When big enough they will move outside where they have space to grow, play and develop their natural behaviour prior to being released back into local habitats."

From April to May it is common to see incredibly young fox cubs developing their survival skills above ground during the day.

People may come across cubs alone but are often waiting for their mother to return, as most mothers will move their litter one by one if they feel threatened.

Young wildlife left to be cared for by their parents is a much better option than taking their fate into our hands sadly, in some cases, it is necessary intervene.