Twenty eight fox cubs who have been separated from their mums are currently being cared for at the Scottish SPCA’s Clackmannanshire animal rescue centre.
And the Fishcross facility is struggling to keep up with the appetites of the tiny mammals.
The charity is appealing to animal lovers to donate much needed food for the cubs who have this year been named with ‘The Muppets’ theme. Cubs have so far been called Rizzo, Animal, Pepe and Prawn.
The cubs, which range from only a few days old to a month, will be released into the wild when they are ready.
Centre manager Colin Seddon said: “As we are now in fox cub season, we are going through a lot of the food they eat which is puppy meat.
“We are currently caring for 28 fox cubs and it can be a struggle to keep up with the demand for food.”
Colin also stressed that healthy fox cubs spotted by members of the public should be left alone.
Mums of the Fishcross cubs may, for example, have been scared off by people.
The cubs may also have been removed by humans thinking they had been abandoned or their mums killed in road traffic accidents.
Colin added: “Anyone who comes across fox cubs, that have their eyes fully open and their ears pricked who aren’t injured or in distress, should keep a distance and check in an hour or two as vixens will often move their cubs from one location to another and if they are disturbed, they will leave the cubs and come back for them later.”
However, if injured cubs are found the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline can be called on 03000 999 999.
Colin explained: “If a cub is found above ground with eyes closed or only partially open, then it needs our attention. If a cub is found like this or if a cub is injured, ill or has been orphaned and needs our help then please call our animal helpline.”
Puppy meat can be purchased from the wildlife centre’s Amazon wishlist https://amzn.to/2O7Cxvk or dropped off at the centre 10am to 4pm at Fishcross, Clackmannanshire, FK10 3AN.
