On a chilly winter morning, the construction team at Bushland High School in Bushland, Texas, was wrapping up their work when they heard some movement under a tarp nearby. What caught their attention could have been just another part of their day but turned out to be quite unexpected.
Curious, the workers approached, spotting a shadowy figure beneath the tarp. Caution held them back—they were unsure of the type of animal or how to deal with it. Yet, with the biting cold around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, they knew they couldn’t risk leaving the creature outside in the freezing weather. So, they reached out to the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for assistance.
Without delay, help was on the way, ready to tackle the situation.
Rescued from the Frigid Cold
Stephanie Brady, the executive director of Wild West Wildlife, along with her assistant, arrived at the school in Bushland, TX.
Upon inspecting the tarp, they quickly identified the hidden visitor—it was a gray fox! Seeking warmth, it had found a temporary shelter there.
To safely capture the fox, they grabbed tools like a catchpole, a net, and welding gloves, prepared for what they thought might be a challenging rescue.
“I thought we’d have a chase on our hands,” Brady mentioned to The Dodo. “I knew I had just one shot to catch him.”
Fortunately, with the help of the tarp, her task was simplified. Brady skillfully maneuvered the fox towards the net, where it was securely caught.
Soon enough, the fox was safely cradled in her arms, free from danger.
A Return to the Wild
The fox, like any wildlife, wasn’t exactly thrilled about being surrounded by humans or experiencing a warm hug from a stranger.
Understanding this, Brady and her team quickly transported him to their facility for necessary care.
“We took him in to treat for fleas, deworm, and keep him warm,” shared a post on Facebook. “We always aim to release them back healthier than when they came in.”
After some time at the center, enjoying a cozy environment and snacks, the little guy was still eager to return to his natural habitat.
Once the temperatures became more forgiving, the team took him back to the vicinity where he was found, and he was released back into the wild. The gray fox joyously “spread his wings” and dashed to freedom.
Brady is optimistic about his future, confident they’ve set him up for success.
“He’s got a fantastic prognosis,” she remarked.
