Warning as fox found trapped in netting

A warning has been issued after a fox had to be cut free from tangled netting.

An RSPCA rescuer helped free the animal, which had been caught by its hind legs in the fencing, from a garden in Yeovil, Somerset.

The material was being used to protect growing plants, but the animal charity warned many types of netting could have disastrous impacts on wildlife.

RSPCA animal rescue officer Alison Sparkes, who saved the fox, said it can be "really dangerous" for animals.

Warning: The image below may be distressing to some viewers.

Ms Sparkes said: "She’d become twisted in the netting and was unable to free herself.

"The more she struggled to get herself free, the more trapped she’d become.

"She was very lively so extra care was taken not to hurt her, or get injured."

The fox was left suspended by its hind legs after becoming trapped

Ms Sparkes added she had checked the area for any dependent cubs before taking the animal to RSPCA West Hatch Wildlife Centre near Taunton.

The fox was then released back into the wild close to where she was found two days later.

“We hope that seeing how distressed this fox was reminds people netted fencing and netting used for gardening or in sport can be really dangerous for animals, " Ms Sparkes said.

“We would urge those using netting for sports to remove and store all nets after their game and put any discarded or old netting safely in a bin.

"Any garden netting, such as pond netting, should be replaced with solid metal mesh.”