Baby fox named Sticky after being rescued from glue trap in Edinburgh

A baby fox has been named Sticky after being freed from a glue trap in Edinburgh

The fox was found by a Scottish SPCA inspector on the morning of April 10, who freed the animal from where he had been trapped overnight and sent him to a rescue centre to be cleaned up.

The glue was removed with a mixture of fairy liquid, vegetable oil and soapy water, and some of Sticky’s fur was shaved.

Steve Gray, Scottish SPCA wildlife manager, said: “The prognosis for Sticky wasn’t good. The glue trap had seriously damaged his fur and skin.

“The team spent hours treating him on arrival and their efforts have really paid off. Now, he’s a happy, playful baby fox who is getting on well with the other cubs we’ve grouped him with.

“In a few months, we will release Sticky at a suitable release site where we hope he will have a long, happy life in the wild.”

The Scottish SPCA is renewing calls for a glue trap ban after Sticky’s rescue, stating that the traps, which are typically used to capture rodents and vermin, are “ineffective”.

Mike Flynn the charity’s chief superintendent, said: “We understand a pest control firm supplied the address with glue traps to deter vermin. Shockingly, glue traps are still legal in the UK.

“This poor fox cub’s lucky escape is further proof that they are an ineffective form of pest control.

“The Scottish SPCA has long advocated a total ban on glue traps.

“Thankfully, our brilliant rescuer and wildlife team have been able to save and care for Sticky, but many other wild animals aren’t so lucky.”