Leatherhead's Wildlife Aid treats fox found hanging by tail from gate

The fox was given the name Gator, because of where he was found and because he is "snappy"

A Surrey animal charity rescued a male fox who had got caught hanging by his tail from a metal gate.

The fox, who earned himself the nickname Gator, was tended to by Wildlife Aid in Leatherhead before being released to his home turf.

Gator had to have part of his tail removed because of deep wounds and a compound fracture, according to the charity.

After eight days he was taken back to south-east London, where he was found.

A Wildlife Aid spokesperson said his rescuer, James, "did an incredible job" single-handedly restraining Gator, avoiding the fox's bites and "unwinding the very wedged brush".

Gator was given his nickname because of where he was found and because the charity said he was "snappy".

The spokesperson added: "With Gator being a male fox, and in otherwise stunning condition, he was incredibly eager to get back home.

"Having trashed his pen multiple times during his stay, and grumbled at anyone that dared enter, Gator made things a little interesting when it came to checking his tail wound was healing properly."

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