An animal rescue centre has issued a warning after ‘kittens’ brought into their care turned out to be baby grey foxes.
The Arizona Humane Society received the small animals after a ‘good Samaritan’ found them behind their shed.
But after vets gave them the once over, staff were stunned to discover they weren’t feline after all, reports What’s The Jam.
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The animal care centre is now urging people not to capture the small animals.
A spokesperson said: “Last week a Good Samaritan found a den of babies behind their shed.
“Not knowing what to do, they brought them to AHS where our veterinary team quickly determined these were not domestic pets.
“This story is an important reminder: DON’T KITNAP KITTENS!
“We know the first instinct when seeing a litter of kittens is to rush to aid.
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“But in fact, the best thing we can do is leave them for when their mama returns!”
They also advised that if their mum hasn’t returned within eight hours, you can safely assume that they are orphaned.
Social media users ran to the comments to comment their surprise, with many sympathising with the foxes’ mother.
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One user said: “So sad. I bet Mom is beside herself,”
“Poor Momma! She must be a mess. Glad they will be returned to the wild later,” said another user.
“Ommmggg soooo cute,” quipped another person.
Another person commented: “Wow! Amazing work!”
“The people who took them from the yard are such idiots,” added another angered user.
The foxes were later transferred to Southwest Wildlife, where they are set to be looked after and then set free when they are deemed strong and old enough.
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