A tiny fox cub has been rescued after it was abandoned on its own in a carrier bag at the side of the road.
The adorable little boy was discovered alongside a heartbreaking note written on a Greggs paper bag that read: ‘My mam died – help me.’
RSPCA animal rescue officer Shane Lynn came to his aid in the village of Langley Moor, Durham.
Sadly the fox has been left orphaned following his mum’s death, but he was taken to a vet for a check-up and thankfully given a clean bill of health.
He is now in the care of an RSPCA wildlife centre.
Shane said: ‘It is heartbreaking what happened to this poor fox cub.
‘But we are so grateful that he was found and is now in a safe place where he can recuperate.’
Shane admitted it was a great shame that the baby boy is now without his mother, but thanked the person who alerted the RSPCA to the stranded fox.
He added: ‘It is very sad that he isn’t growing up in the wild with his mum but we are so grateful to all the members of the public for contacting us about him and taking the time to rescue and save his life.
‘It’s a lovely reminder that there’s so many wildlife friends out there.’
An RSCPA spokesperson said spring was a busy season for their officers, where they often see a surge in calls about baby wild animals and birds.
They said the charity was grateful to anybody that takes the time to contact them about animals they fear need help.
But they also reminded members of the public that not every animal needed saving.
The spokesperson said: ‘It is important to remember that not all young animals need rescuing.
‘Many would be better off being left where they are and monitored for as long as possible as the parents are usually nearby.
‘If you see a wild animal you believe could be orphaned, the RSPCA urges the public to keep monitoring them as their mum will probably be nearby.’
Guidance suggests waiting at least 24 hours to see if any parents appear, before visiting the RSPCA website for advice on the next steps to take.
Earlier this month, a tiny newborn puppy was rescued after he was found dumped in a bin inside a carrier bag with a brick.
And in April, a rare black fox was spotted roaming the streets of Wales.
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