A small fox cub was pulled to safety after becoming trapped for nine hours in a 10cm-wide drainpipe in Humberston, Lincolnshire. Residents first heard the cub's cries emanating from beneath a street grate on Sunday afternoon.
Firefighters were called to the scene and confirmed the animal was trapped approximately 2 feet underground within the wastewater pipe. When initial rescue efforts were unsuccessful, Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue was contacted, along with engineers from Anglian Water and veterinary professionals.
Rescuers determined that the fox cub had traveled approximately 300 meters (984 feet) through the underground pipe system before becoming lodged. Anglian Water engineers utilized specialized thermal imaging cameras and probes to precisely locate the cub's position.
After more than nine hours of careful digging and effort to create enough space, the cub was gently extracted from the narrow pipe. The fox, who has since been named Valor by rescuers, underwent surgery for multiple wounds and is expected to make a full recovery.
A spokesperson for Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue described the challenging rescue, noting that the cub's front legs were stuck as if in a pillory. The water level in the drain was managed to aid in the extraction. It is possible the cub had been trapped for several days before its cries were heard.