A fox cub which spent nearly two days with its head trapped in a plastic bottle, suffering injuries that could have proved life-threatening, has been rescued by wildlife experts.
The Scottish SPCA were called to the scene in Glasgow after a member of the public spotted the male cub in difficulty.
Initial attempts to catch him were unsuccessful as he ran back into his den, however, they returned the following day and managed to catch him.
The fox was initially taken to the University of Glasgow’s Small Animal Hospital, where the wound he had suffered was cleaned and he was given pain relief.
The fox was kept there overnight and transported to the Scottish SPCA’s National Wildlife Rescue Centre at Fishcross in Clackmannanshire the following day.
It is understood that his head had been trapped in the bottle for nearly two days by the time he was rescued.
The Scottish SPCA warned that litter can have devastating consequences for wildlife and urged people to dispose of it carefully.
Animal rescue officer Ella Mackenzie said: “This fox was incredibly fortunate. Had we not managed to catch him, the injuries caused by the bottle could have become life-threatening.
“Sadly, this isn’t an isolated incident. Every year, we see wild animals injured, trapped or killed by discarded litter.
“Something as simple as taking your rubbish home or disposing of it properly can prevent animals suffering in this way.”
She was helped during the rescue by fellow animal rescue officer Calum Wilson.
The fox, estimated to be around 12 weeks old, was rescued near Knightswood Park in the Knightswood area of Glasgow on June 27.
He has been under close observation since he arrived at Fishcross and has been receiving daily treatment for his wound.
The Scottish SPCA responded to almost 109,000 wildlife incidents between 2023 and 2025, and said many involved animals that were injured or put at risk by human activity.
It is urging people to dispose of litter responsibly to help prevent avoidable suffering for wild animals.”