Essex Fox Rescued After Leg Trapped in Letterbox Undergoes Surgery

A fox in Hadleigh, Essex, had a very unfortunate day after getting its leg stuck in a letterbox before becoming trapped again between a fence and a wall while trying to escape. The animal was first freed by 16-year-old paperboy Liam Clement but then required assistance from South Essex Wildlife Hospital rescuers, who carefully extracted it from the tight space. The fox suffered ligament damage and fractures to several metatarsal bones, necessitating surgery to suture the ligaments and splint the leg. Despite the injuries, the fox was described as very feisty and aggressive upon arrival at the hospital. The wildlife hospital team remains hopeful about the fox’s recovery but indicated that the healing process could take at least two months, with further surgery possible. The incident highlights the unusual predicaments foxes can find themselves in during dispersal season.