Gosport fox found with plastic around neck 'doing well'

The fox has been named Faith by volunteers who are looking after her

A fox that was found with a plastic tube stuck around its neck is recovering well, rescuers have said.

Locals first reported the distressed animal wandering the streets of Gosport, Hampshire, three weeks ago.

Second Chance Fox Rescue and Rehabilitation in North Baddesley captured the fox on Friday morning, after several failed rescue missions.

The plastic was successfully removed and the charity said she was expected to make a full recovery.

Warning: Story contains images some people might find distressing

Several residents around Gosport reported seeing the fox with something stuck around its neck

The fox, named Faith by rescuers, was seen in several different parts of Gosport, including the marina and the communal gardens of an apartment block near Weevil Lane.

After several days of searching, volunteers from Second Chance Fox Rescue and Rehabilitation were finally able to find the animal.

The plastic was cut away, revealing bloody wounds on the fox's neck that had been caused by rubbing.

Mud was also found to be caked under the plastic, which meant the sores had become infected.

Faith's injuries are being treated with antibiotics and the lacerations on her neck are now beginning to heal.

Steve Mason, the rescue centre's founder, said she was "doing well" and was even beginning to groom herself.

He said: "She's just beautiful - she was very scared at first but now I spend a lot of time in the rehab room with her, building her trust.

"Foxes can be vicious when they feel threatened, but I've now been able to take my bite gloves off now and she lets me spray her with antiseptic."

The charity had been receiving about 10 concerned messages a day about the fox

The plastic tube is believed to be a bottle which had the top cut off

Mr Mason said Faith was "well on the road to recovery" and was expected to be returned to Gosport in between two and three weeks.

He said: "We'll be taking her back to where we rescued her from - we know there are lots of people looking out for her there.

"The locals even want to throw a big party on her release, with champagne and pizza."

Follow BBC South on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail].