The Forest Folk

19/04/2025

19/04/2025

You saw a creepy crawler. I saw a pest control expert.
Lizards in your garden eat slugs, mosquitoes, roaches, and beetles — no chemicals needed.
But pesticides kill the bad bugs and the good guys.
Next time, skip the spray and let your local gardener do the job — scales and all.

19/04/2025

When you're not feeling your best, sometimes all you need is the comfort of a friend.

This little traumatised fox cub was brought to WRAS on April 12th after being rescued alongside a sibling on Sandringham Drive in Hove. Both cubs were in poor health, with one suffering from chest wounds and trauma, and both believed to be orphaned.

Sadly, the sibling did not survive, leaving this little boy alone.

Unfortunately, WRAS did not have any other cubs of a suitable size to pair him with, so he was placed in an incubator to cozy up with a teddy bear.

When caring for cubs, it is crucial to keep them with others to prevent domestication, as well as to ensure they are matched with cubs of similar size to avoid bullying, which is common in nature where the weakest or smallest often do not survive.

Each year, WRAS receives fox cubs that are sick, injured, or orphaned, often due to mothers being hit by vehicles, attacks from dogs and cats as cubs begin to emerge from dens, or even persecution at times.
Every spring, the fox population increases, leading some people to worry about overpopulation. However, like all carnivores, they are self-regulating and limited by the availability of food and territory. Cubs simply replace the adults lost each year. Although a fox can live for up to eight years, the average lifespan is believed to be around 18 months.

Foxes are typically seen as independent animals rather than pack creatures. While siblings may spend time together, they tend to go their separate ways after the dispersal period in late autumn. They are very curious animals and have learned to adapt as humans encroach further into their natural habitats.
According to the Fox Project, the most recent scientific research shows that the fox population has declined by 41% since 1995.This fox cub won’t be alone for long, as WRAS collaborates closely with other rescues throughout the South East to help ensure that cubs find suitable groups when they are on their own.

Please support our work helping the local community and our precious wildlife. To find out more visit www.wildlifeambulance.org
Reg Charity 1108880

19/04/2025

Another three back with mum!

They were rescued from a disused swimming pool, checked over by our clinical team, and given a clean bill of health—their mother had been doing a fantastic job with them. With the pool now made safe for all wildlife, we're pleased to say these little ones are back where they belong. 🧡

19/04/2025

19/04/2025

19/04/2025

19/04/2025

RESCUE. Rehab. Release.

Left not lost
We were called to this little cub today. It was an unusual story, the very kind man who called us had answered a knock on his door and was handed the cub by a passer by who thought they had found a kitten. He had no idea where the cub had been found and no option but to ask for help.
BUT at this time of year cubs are often moved by parents, they are waiting to be collected, not abandoned. This little cub is now safe at RSPCA Mallydams but has lost his Mum and family.
If you see a cub out and looking lost, as long as there is no imminent danger, and the cub doesn’t appear to be in distress, please try to monitor to see if the parent returns. This might take a few hours but is a much better solution for all concerned. Unwilded now it could be 4-5 months until release and the average life of an urban fox is only about 18 months.
In this case there was no option and our thanks go to the man the cub was left with and RSPCA Mallydams who go the extra mile for every animal in their care.
Peak cubbing time is mid March meaning that by now most cubs have their eyes open, are starting to develop red fur and are beginning to explore outside the earth, and soon will be venturing further afield. If a cub is clearly in distress, or in a dangerous location please contact us or your local rescue. If in doubt always contact us for advice.
We are working hard to try and improve the heath of all foxes in our area, please help us by sharing our fundraiser. Thank you for your help.

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