Two fox cubs one found in a garden in Dundee are being looked after by the Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Charity workers at the wildlife rescue centre just outside Dunfermline are tending to a cub who was only a week old when he was found in Dundee and another aged eight weeks discovered near Edinburgh University.
The cub had been spotted by staff at the university, who then contacted the SSPCA.
As a result, staff are urging people to leave fox cubs if they encounter them and then check on their condition after a few hours.
Centre manager Colin Seddon said, “We are currently caring for two fox cubs that were separated from their mothers and wouldn’t have survived by themselves.
“Logie was only one week old when he was found outside the earth in a garden in Dundee.
“He was far too young to be by himself so we’re having to hand rear him.”Charity’s helplineHe added, “We also have Lennox, an eight-week-old cub, found alone in Edinburgh.
“Due to the busy location his mother wouldn’t have returned for him as she would have been frightened by all the people around.”
Mr Seddon said, “Although both of these cubs needed our help, we would advise people living in more rural locations to leave cubs alone and check on them after a couple of hours as their mother may return for them.
“Vixens will often move their cubs from one earth to another and if they are disturbed they’ll leave the cubs and come back for them later.
“Often vixens will not live in the same earth as her cubs and will only return at night to feed them.”
He added, “If anyone thinks a cub is injured, ill or has been orphaned and needs our help they should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999 for advice.”
Logie and Lennox will be cared for at the wildlife rescue centre until they are fully fit, feeding themselves and healthy enough to be released.