The Scottish SPCA rescued a male fox cub after it was spotted with a plastic bottle covering its face in Glasgow, where it had been trapped for at least two days. The cub sustained neck injuries that rescuers said "could have proved fatal."
Rescuers were first called on Friday, June 26, after the cub was seen with its head stuck in the bottle up to its neck. Despite efforts, they could not catch him, and he escaped to his den. The following day, members of the public again spotted the cub and alerted rescuers.
After an extended search and several unsuccessful attempts, rescuers feared they had lost him when he disappeared. Moments later, he emerged from undergrowth with the bottle still around his head. Finally, the terrified cub was captured safely, and the bottle was removed as he was transferred to the University of Glasgow’s Small Animal Hospital for treatment.
Treatment and Recovery
The cub stayed overnight at the hospital, where treatment was given to a neck wound that could have been fatal. He was then transported to the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross, where he has been under close observation and receiving daily treatment.
An animal rescue officer from the Scottish SPCA said: “This fox was incredibly fortunate. Had we not managed to catch him, the injuries caused by the bottle could have become life-threatening. Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident. Every year, we see wild animals injured, trapped or killed by discarded litter. Something as simple as taking your rubbish home or disposing of it properly can prevent animals suffering in this way.”
Litter's Impact on Wildlife
Last month, the Scottish SPCA warned that litter continues to have devastating consequences for Scotland’s wildlife. Between 2023 and 2025, the charity responded to almost 109,000 wildlife incidents, many involving animals injured or put at risk by human activity. The charity is urging people to dispose of litter responsibly to help prevent avoidable suffering for wild animals.
