At the construction site of the new Bushland High School in Bushland, Texas, workers were wrapping up their day when an unusual sound broke through the routine.
From under a heavy tarp came a faint rustling.
At first glance, all that was visible was a small shadow shifting beneath the cover. Uncertain about what kind of creature might be concealed there, the crew held back, wary of approaching too quickly.
Even so, they understood they couldn’t simply walk away. Concerned for the animal’s well-being, the workers reached out to the Wild West Wildlife Rehabilitation Center for help.
It didn’t take long before help was on the move. Within minutes, rescuers were headed straight to the site.
A Swift Rescue
Stephanie Brady, executive director of Wild West Wildlife, and her assistant quickly arrived at the construction site.
With years of experience in wildlife rescue, it didn’t take long for them to identify the mysterious creature hiding beneath the tarp.
It was a gray fox, likely seeking shelter from the weather or noise.
Brady and her team wasted no time. Armed with a catchpole, a net, and thick protective gloves, they carefully planned their approach.
“I was thinking it was going to be a foot chase,” Brady told The Dodo. “I knew I had one chance to grab him.”
Luckily, the tarp helped more than expected. It limited the fox’s movement just enough for Brady to safely catch him. With a quick motion, she guided him into the waiting net.
Moments later, the frightened animal was safely contained and ready for transport.
A Second Chance At Freedom
The fox was understandably nervous after his ordeal. He wanted nothing more than to return to the wild, but first, he needed care.
“We brought him into care to treat for fleas, deworm, and keep warm,” the team shared in a Facebook post. “It is always best to send them out healthier, than how they came in.”
The rescue team monitored him closely over the next few days. Though restless, the fox slowly regained strength and calm under their care. His sharp eyes and steady movements soon showed he was ready to go home.
When the weather improved, Brady and her team transported him back near the area where he had first been found. The moment the kennel door opened, the fox sprinted toward the open fields, vanishing into the wild.
Watching him disappear into the distance, Brady smiled, confident he would thrive once more.
“He has a wonderful prognosis,” she said.
Thanks to the compassion of the construction workers and the dedication of the Wild West Wildlife team, one small life was saved that day. What began as an ordinary work shift turned into an extraordinary rescue that gave a fox a new lease on life.
