A hapless fox was saved after getting wedged between a garden fence and shed.
Rescuers were called after the juvenile was found trapped in a backyard.
RSPCA Animal Rescue Officer Mark Richardson attempted to carefully remove the fox by covering him in sunflower oil and trying to ease him out of the gap.
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But the space was too small and he was wary of causing the fox injuries.
It happened in Luton, Beds.
Mark contacted Stopsley Community Fire Station and a crew quickly scrambled to the scene, as reported by Need To Know.
Officers were able to use a hydraulic tool to open up the space between the shed and the fence, while rescuer Mark grabbed the fox and lifted him through the gap
He said: “This poor fox was well and truly stuck in the small gap and unable to move.
“I’m very grateful to the fire service who came out to assist me with this rescue and will sometimes use animal rescues like this one as a valuable training exercise.
“I was initially worried that the fox may have lost blood flow in his legs but luckily he began to have movement in them as soon as he was free.
“I took him to South Essex Wildlife Hospital to be assessed and make sure he is doing okay before he will be released back into the wild.”
The fox was treated for injuries to his groin area but wildlife hospital staff are optimistic that he will pull through.
Mark added: “The caller told me that very sadly another fox was stuck in the same place a week earlier and was only found after they had died which is heartbreaking to hear and really shows why our work matters.
“I offered advice to the homeowner on trying to stop this from happening again and thanked them for calling us.
“We’re incredibly busy this summer from dealing with rescues like this one to saving abused animals at a time when animal cruelty peaks.
“This is why we have launched our Summer Cruelty Campaign and urge kind animal lovers to support us to help continue saving animals who desperately need us.”
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