A baby fox was rescued from a glue trap after being heard 'wailing in pain' by Edinburgh residents.
The poor animal was saved by teams from the Scottish SPCA after becoming trapped on Pitt Street earlier this month.
Scotland's animal welfare charity say they were called out on the morning of April 10, however it is believed the fox had been in distress overnight.
Experts managed to free the animal before whisking him off to their National Wildlife Rescue Centre.
There they got to work cleaning his fur which had become badly matted by the adhesive. While the managed to get some of the glue off using a mixture of fairy liquid, vegetable oil and soapy water, they did have to shave some of his fur.
The cub has since been named Sticky and is one of 20 currently being looked after by the Scottish SPCA. He will be released later in the year when he is old enough to fend for himself.
The Scottish SPCA say they are fiercely opposed to the use of such glue traps, and are calling on them to be outlawed.
Wildlife manager Steve Gray said: “The prognosis for Sticky wasn’t good. The glue trap had seriously damaged his fur and skin. The team spent hours treating him on arrival and their efforts have really paid off. Now, he’s a happy, playful baby fox who is getting on well with the other cubs we’ve grouped him with.
“In a few months’, we will release Sticky at a suitable release site where we hope he will have a long, happy life in the wild.”
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “We understand a pest control firm supplied the address with glue traps to deter vermin. Shockingly, glue traps are still legal in the UK. This poor fox cub’s lucky escape is further proof that they are an ineffective form of pest control.
“The Scottish SPCA has long advocated a total ban on glue traps. Thankfully, our brilliant rescuer and wildlife team have been able to save and care for Sticky, but many other wild animals aren’t so lucky.”
