Emergency calls for help are nothing new to the Colorado Springs Fire Department, thanks to the nature of their job. So, as soon they received this particular call, they immediately sent out a team to the site. That’s where they were tasked to rescue eight little puppies and get them to safety. However, hours passed, and they suddenly had a striking realization they had never expected. The puppies were not what they seemed to be! And the brave firefighters were about to find out a big secret that they did not expect.
Job Requirements
It is common knowledge that firefighters are not only focused on extinguishing fires; they are also called for a variety of emergencies as well! But are you aware that they are also known to help animals in danger?
Job Requirements
They’re All-Around
Firefighters are valuable assets to the community. Aside from putting the fires out, firefighters are also dispersed to give aid in different scenarios such as: Dealing with hazardous materials, medical emergencies, inspections for new buildings, et cetera.
They’re All Around
They Can Go As Fast As Eight Minutes
The Colorado Springs Fire Department has emergency response resources all around the city. Because of this, they can reach any part of the city in about eight minutes or so, allowing them to help those in need as quickly as possible.
They Can Go As Fast As Eight Minutes
Well Equipped
The Fire Department made sure that they are well equipped for any kind of scenario that they may face, making sure that they have nothing but the best equipment at their disposal ready to be used anytime. The CSFD boasts 22 engine companies, 11 brush trucks, six truck companies, three medical squads, a hazmat team, a heavy hazmat team, an air supply truck, a hazardous materials decontamination vehicle, and a hose wagon. All of which are ready for use when needed.
Well Equipped
A Regular Day
As usual, the folks at the Colorado Springs Fire Department did not think of the day as out of the ordinary and viewed it as rather mundane. However, they were not aware that they were in for an unusual encounter by the end of the day. What do you think will happen?
A Regular Day
Asking For Help
The fire department received a call asking for help in rescuing animals. They immediately sent out a team for they know that the sooner they get there, the faster they could help the poor animals. What they did not know is that they were about to witness a unique encounter.
Asking For Help
Anticipations
There are lots of precautionary measures to take when it comes to dealing with animal rescue. When faced with danger, different animals act differently, some of which become aggressive, making it hard to handle them. Which is why firefighters follow a set of rules that keeps them and the animals safe.
Anticipations
Constantly Prepared
Before we carry on with the story, it is important to keep in mind that the firefighters had to be careful with how they approach the situation. Because they did not know what animal they were dealing with, the firefighters had to be even more cautious, since regardless of what would happen, their safety will always be the number one priority.
Constantly Prepared
No Problem
Having similar experiences beforehand, the firefighters were not fazed by the call that they received, and despite the fact that they do not know what animals were in need of help, they were pretty confident that they can take on this task.
No Problem
Evaluation
Without any second thought, the squad hopped on to the truck and swiftly traveled to the location of the animals in predicament. As it turns out, the poor animals were trapped in a storm grate! Things could go terrible for them if it rains.
Evaluation
Had To Act Hastily
The animals were not in immediate danger for it was not raining, but the firefighters knew they had to act hastily. Not only was the enclosure dark, and deep, the temperature is also very low. They had to think of a way to save them, and they cannot waste any time.
Had To Act Hastily
They Were Small
The squad noticed that the animals were small since the grate wasn’t that deep yet the animals were unable to get out. The firefighters started to get ready in rescuing them by planning to send down one or two men to pull the animals out.
They Were Small
They Were Baby Animals
In order to get to the bottom of the storm grate, the firemen started by working together to raise the storm grate. Upon opening, they heard the cries of the poor animals and quickly realized that they were dealing with babies. They were dumbfounded! How did the babies even get there?
They Were Baby Animals
Their Mom’s Not There
The firefighters were confused as to why the mother was not with the babies. It was completely illogical for the babies to be there in the first place, it would have made some sense if they were in the wild, but that was not the case.
Their Mom’s Not There
Are They Abandoned?
Before they could carry on with the rescue, the firemen had to figure out the layout of sewer first. It is possible that the mother and father of the animals were there but got spooked upon the arrival of the firefighters. They have yet to figure out what animals they were rescuing.
Are They Abandoned
A Tough Situation
The sewer was filthy and was mostly filled with garbage, it was heart-wrenching to see the animals cold and have no access to food. It was a miracle that the animals were still alive! The team was uncertain if the animals would be alright, but the least they can do is try.
A Tough Situation
Dangerous Scenario
They had to decide right away and had to be extra careful with their next move. They were faced with two difficult scenarios. If the mother was around the area, she might prefer to rescue the babies on her own. If they ever decided on taking out the babies and the mother suddenly returns, she might end up abandoning them.
Dangerous Scenario
Stressful Times
It was hard to determine if the mother of the animals was near since they do not know what animal they were dealing with. It was difficult to determine what they should do, but the firefighters finally agreed on what to do, seeing that the animals needed help as soon as they can.
Stressful Times
Concluding
Should they leave the animals and hope for the mother to return? Or should they immediately act since the mother was not there? They were in a tight spot. They were aware that the babies need help as soon as possible, which is why it was important for them to figure out what animal they were dealing with.
Concluding
A Wild Animal
They still did not know what they were dealing with. If they were dealing with domestic animals, then the animals would need immediate help, but if they were dealing with wild animals, they know that they have a better chance of surviving the situation.
A Wild Animal
Out Of Harm
In order to not pass on their scent to the babies, they had to make sure that they were wearing gloves. They also laid out a sheet for the babies to be put in so that they may be kept out of harm.
Out Of Harm
The First Baby
After the first fireman went into the sewer and carefully took out one of the babies, the whole team was in awe as to how minuscule the baby was! The baby animal then rolled about as it was put on the sheet.
The First Baby
Man’s Best Friend
The team finally realized what the animal they were handling after seeing the baby. They were dealing with puppies! They were unsure as to how the babies got there, but it was clear that those babies are not supposed to be there.
Man’s Best Friend
Disappointing
The squad wondered if a person put the babies down there, after all, it was not uncommon for owners to abandon animals when they no longer want them. The firemen still cannot believe what they saw.
Disappointing
Cold Hard Facts
How heartbreaking would it be if it really were the case? Of course, the team hoped that it is not what happened. With wanting to secure the safety of the puppies, the firefighters decided to hasten their efforts.
Cold Hard Facts
Hoping It Was Not Abandonment
It is never alright to leave your pets in such a terrible environment, and this situation is a great lesson to those who are not capable of taking care of animals. The firefighters still hope that that was not the case for these puppies.
Hoping It Was Not Abdonment
Puppies
At first, the firefighters were not aware of how many puppies were inside the grate. Thankfully, the grate was not so deep since getting them out was the only way for the firefighters to know how many pups were trapped inside.
Puppies
Huddled Together
The tiny pups huddled together to conserve warmth. They were confused! Once they were in a cold, dark sewer, and suddenly they were met by a brighter surrounding, filled with people who are there to take care of them. The firefighters realized that the pups may have been down the grate for days.
Huddled Together
Collecting Information
Still baffled as to what might have happened. In hopes of getting a hint as to what happened, the squad then turned to the person who made the call. According to the caller, she saw the pups getting swept away by the stream into the storm drain during a spell of bad weather.
Collecting Information
They Were Relieved
Relieved that the pups were not actually abandoned, it changed a lot of things for them, and it helped them stop worrying. As it turns out, the pups were just near the storm drain at the wrong time.
They Were Relieved
She Acted Soon
After seeing the pups get swept away by the flood, she tried to act as soon as she could. She tried catching up to the animals and even attempted to open the gate herself. She sadly did not make in time nor have the proper tools to open the grate.
She Acted Soon
Calling For Help
Realizing she could not save the puppies by herself; she went ahead and called the CSFD for immediate aid. Not only did they know what to do, but they also have the proper tools for the job! They were delighted that the woman asked for help right away.
Calling For Help
Similar Situation
The crew felt relieved when they learned what the woman did for the animals. A person noticed animals in grave danger and immediately went into action. The team hopes to see more occurrence of such actions amongst the citizens should they find themselves in a similar situation.
Similar Situation
Still Curious
The crew was still curious as to what breed do these pups belong to. The pups had black fur and short wiry hair. They all agreed in the end that they were probably Labradors. Is their guess correct? You will find out soon enough.
Still Curious
Checking Their Health
After all the pups were out of the sewer, it was time to check the state of each pup’s health. The firemen took the pups to a humane society to find out if the pups were fine and healthy. How did it go?
Checking Their Health
All In Good Health
All the pups were found to be in good health, not only were they not malnourished, but they were also strong and healthy! The firemen then thought that their job was done after hearing about the state of the puppies.
All In Good Health
A Shocking Revelation
One of the firemen who helped with the rescue, named Mark Jenkins, left his number with the vets for them to contact him regarding any updates about the pups, but he was surprised to receive a call so soon!
A Shocking Revelation
An Interesting News
Mark was quickly reassured that the pups were fine, it was a good idea to take them to the vet right away! What the vets said next shocked Mark, even making the fireman laugh himself!
An Interesting News
The Astonishment
Mark was shocked by what the vet had to say regarding the puppies. Their guess was wrong all along, they were no puppies, not even dogs! Mark was baffled with what he just found out. If they were not dogs, what could they be?
The Astonishment
The Story
Mark then learned from the vet that whet they rescued were not actually puppies, they were baby red foxes! The vet explained that fox cubs and puppies tend to look alike when they are newborns. Though despite the name, red foxes are not actually red all the time.
The Story
They Did Something Good
After talking with the vet, Mark informed the team of what he just learned. They were all certain that the animals they saved were puppies, that they could not believe the news that they received! But still, the crew is thankful that they managed to save the poor cubs. Great job, team!
They Did Something Good
Not The End Of Story
Despite the foxes being rescued, it was not actually the end of the story. The vet said it was highly possible that the mother of the fox is near the area where they found the cubs. If the babies were returned, the mother might be able to find them.
Not The End Of Story
They Brought Back The Cubs
The firemen reluctantly brought back the cubs to the sewer drain where they found them, but this time, they were keeping a close eye on them. This may make their previous work seem like a waste, they were aware that this is the best chance they could have to return the cubs to their mother.
They Brought Back The Cubs
Patiently Waiting
The team stayed nearby and waited patiently after they placed the cubs back to the sewer, making sure that they maintain a safe distance to not startle the mother. There was a chance that the mother may not return for her cubs before nighttime. The whole thing turned out to be a waiting game.
Patiently Waiting
The Red Fox
The red fox is a smart and cunning animal that hides by their den and only goes out at night. The team sadly did not find the fox at night looking for her cubs, but they remained hopeful that she would come back when morning comes.
The Red Fox
Western European Fox
The red fox can be distinguished among other foxes by their size, in fact, they are the largest of all fox species! They are also the only fox species that is native to Western Europe. Other notable fox species include The Arctic Fox from Scandinavia and the Corsac Fox from European Russia.
Western European Fox
The Mother Still Not Showing Up
Even though they have been waiting for a long time, the mother still has not shown up. The fox cubs can be heard calling out for her from below. Perhaps the mother got spooked from what happened.
The Mother Still Not Showing Up
They Were Giving Up
Waiting for the mother to come back for several nights already, the team was starting to get impatient. They all agreed that the mother would not be back for her babies anymore. They did not want anything bad to happen to cubs, prompting them to intervene once more.
They Were Giving Up
A Promise To Help
After reaching their decision, the firemen had to take the cubs out of the sewer once again and were brought to the Animal Clinic of Woodland Park in which they promised to help the fox cubs as much as they could.
A Promise To Help
It Doesn’t Stop Here
The clinic is used to help a wide variety of animals. For foxes and similar animals, they raise the animals until they are all strong enough to survive on their own in the wild, and though the fox was in good hands, the story does not stop here.
It Doesn’t Stop Here
It’s All About Education
The whole story is both amusing and educational. There are so many things to learn about animals like these, that the team learned a lot from this fascinating encounter. This helped the whole team in dealing with animals in the future should the same scenario repeat itself.
It’s All About Education
Not Actually Surprising
The animal experts stated that such occurrences are not actually shocking. According to them, the mother probably mated months before and just gave birth to the cubs. Which was a surprise for the firefighters that encountered them?
Not Actually Surprising
Perfect Spot
The animal expert also said that it was not surprising for them to hear that the incident happened in Colorado. After all, the terrain there is perfect for these animals, which also explains the state’s high fox population.
Perfect Spot
Wildlife In Colorado
Colorado also holds a wide variety of animals other than foxes. The place also has wild animals like coyotes, deer, mountain lions, snakes, and bears. Although people can coexist with wildlife, it is important to take note that wild animals are nowhere near like domesticated pets. It is always advised to leave them be.
Wildlife In Colorado
Dim And Cold
It would not seem likely that the mother fox left her cubs by the sewer grate on purpose, but the experts believe that they may have a good reason if she really did. Fox dens are often dim and cold, thus making a sewer grate a good place for them.
Dim And Cold
Misconception
Even though the sewer fits their needs for a temporary shelter, this does not mean that it is a good idea for her to leave her cubs in that spot. She probably made the mistake of leaving her cubs alone while looking for a new place.
Misconception
Born In The Sewer
It was pretty hard to guess how they ended up in that area, it may even be possible that they were born there. The story of the cubs became clearer with each puzzle piece, but we still do not know if the cubs would be fine.
Born In The Sewer
Silver Lining
Though the cubs were abandoned by their mother, they were put through rehabilitation while they were young, increasing the chance that they will be fine as they grow up, which is obviously a good thing!
Silver Lining
Wandering In The City
Firemen were surprised to see such animals roaming around the big cities, but this is actually common. Since their natural habitat has been taken over by humans and was filled with buildings, many animals can be seen wandering aimlessly in developing cities.
Wandering In The City
Wildlife Encounter
As much as possible, you should minimalize your encounters with such animals in order to keep things calm. It is important to not feed them and keep your pet foods inside your house as much as possible, and fix any cracks and holes that are larger than a quarter of an inch in your house in order to help keep out rats, snakes, and bats of your house.
Wildlife Encounters
Adjusting
The natural habitats are slowly getting overtaken by cities and construction sites which is why foxes adapt by making themselves comfortable in the city, which in turn, is also the reason why most people start to think of them as pests.
Adjusting
Acquiring Help
Many animals are better left alone, so do not be foolish and potentially harm yourself when trying to help. Instead, follow the example of the woman who enlisted help from the authorities. She did not handle the animals by herself but instead let the experts handle it.
Acquiring Help
Not Always True
Unlike human babies, there are some baby animals that can manage by themselves for up to 23 hours when left alone. which is why when a person stumbles upon a baby animal that is alone, they may think that the animal is in trouble, which is not always true.
Not Always True
Fortunate Resolution
How nice is that? The cubs were fortunate that there was a woman who cared and called help for them, and the skilled firemen who brought them out of the sewers. The cubs were brought to safety thanks to the concern and kindness of the people around them. Now the foxes have a happy ending and can grow up together without fear!
Fortunate Resolution
Keep An Eye Out Of Struggling Animals
Lots of animals are currently struggling to find a home of their own due to cities being launched and expanded. Therefore, if you ever encounter an animal that is in a place where they should not be, do not hesitate to seek out help!
Keep An Eye Out Of Struggling Animals