On a frosty winter morning in Bushland, Texas, construction workers were wrapping up tasks at the new Bushland High School.
The cold air nipped at their faces, and their breaths formed small clouds as they moved about the site. It was just another day on the job, filled with the usual sounds of hammers and saws, until they heard a faint rustling coming from under a nearby tarp.
A Mysterious Rustling Under the Tarp
Curious, they inched closer, their boots crunching on the frozen ground, and spotted the distinct silhouette of an animal moving beneath the covering.
The shadow shifted and paused, causing them to exchange puzzled glances. Not sure what kind of creature it was—a stray cat, a raccoon, or something else—they hesitated to intervene.
But with temperatures dropping to around 20 degrees Fahrenheit, and the biting cold becoming more intense as the day went on, they couldn’t just leave the poor thing out in the cold.
Concerned for the animal’s well-being, they decided it was best not to handle it themselves. So, they pulled out a phone and called in the experts from the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, hoping they would know exactly what to do.
They were at “the scene of the crime” in no time.
Identifying the Hidden Visitor
Wild West Wildlife’s Stephanie Brady and her team were on the scene to provide assistance. Dressed warmly and carrying their equipment, they approached the tarp cautiously.
Peering under the tarp, they quickly identified the visitor: a gray fox seeking shelter from the biting cold. The fox looked up at them with wary eyes, its fur fluffed up against the chill.
Watch the whole rescue here:
Realizing this rescue might be tricky, especially with a wild animal that could be frightened or aggressive, they geared up with a catchpole, net, and welding gloves for protection. They knew they had to act carefully to avoid causing the fox any more stress or risking injury to themselves.
“I was thinking it was going to be a foot chase,” said Brady in an interview later. “I knew I had one chance to grab him.”
Luckily, the tarp made things easier than expected. Using it to their advantage, Brady managed to corner the fox on her side, while her assistant held the net ready on the other side.
With a swift and careful movement, she guided him straight into the waiting net.
Safe in Caring Hands
In moments, the fox was safely in her arms, finally secure and warm. She could feel his rapid heartbeat through her gloves, but he remained surprisingly calm, perhaps sensing they were there to help.
Like any wild animal, he wasn’t thrilled about being surrounded by humans or being held. His eyes darted around, and he squirmed slightly, but he didn’t attempt to bite or scratch. Understanding his discomfort, Brady and her colleague quickly placed him into a secure carrier and took him to the rescue center to get him the care he needed.
“We brought him into care to treat for fleas, deworm, and keep warm,” was found in a Facebook post updating their followers about the rescue.
“It is always best to send them out healthier, than how they came in.”
At the center, they gave him a thorough check-up and some much-needed TLC. They provided him with a warm bed, fresh food, and clean water.
While he appreciated the warmth and food, it was clear he was eager to return to the wild. He paced around his enclosure, his ears perked up at every sound, longing for the freedom of the outdoors.
Release Back into the Wild
After a few days, as temperatures returned to normal, and he was deemed healthy and ready, it was time to release him. They took him close to where they found him, ensuring he would be back in familiar territory.
Opening the carrier door, the gray fox paused briefly, glanced back at his rescuers as if in thanks, and then happily “flew away” to freedom.
Given the care he received and his strong spirit, Brady is confident about his future.
“He has a wonderful prognosis,” she said, smiling as she watched him disappear into the brush.
The construction workers were glad to hear about the successful rescue and release. When they received the update from the rehabilitation center, they shared smiles and felt a sense of pride.
What started as a mysterious rustling under a tarp turned into a heartwarming rescue story that they would recount for days to come.
It’s a reminder that a little kindness can go a long way, even on the coldest of days. The combined efforts of concerned individuals and dedicated professionals made a difference in the life of one small fox, showcasing the positive impact we can have when we choose compassion.
