Fox spotted in rural B.C. with fish hook stuck in its mouth

Efforts are underway in Elkford, British Columbia to lure a fox and help remove a fishing lure stuck in its face.

According to staff and volunteers at theLittle Mittens Animal Rescue Association, the animal was first spotted in the rural community in the southeast corner of the province on Friday, about 19 kilometres west of the border with Alberta.

Residentsbegan calling the association after it was spotted multiple times with what appears to be a red and white spoon fishing lure lodged in its lip.

"The locals are really, really caring," said volunteerNycki Wannamaker, speaking Tuesday on Daybreak South.

She thinks the fox may have gnawed on a used fishing rod on someone's property and ended up with the lure.

WATCH | Footage of the fox with the lure in its mouth:

Fox spotted in rural B.C. with a fish hook caught in its mouth

8 months ago

Duration 0:08

Animal rescue association volunteers are trying to lure the animal with hot dogs and a heat lamp.

Wannamaker said the animal, which has been caught on camera by locals in the area, does not appear to be in much distress.

She is, however, worriedthe hook could catch on something as foxes like to squeeze themselves into confined spaces.

After speaking with the B.C. Conservation Service, she was given the green light to set a live trap to try and catch the critter and help it out.

"It's full of all sorts of disgusting bait, they really love hot dogs and fatty chicken, dog kibble [and]sardines," said Wannamaker.

To keep the food from freezing in sub-zero weather, and to further entice the animal, a heat lamp has been propped over the bait.

Mel Worth, administrative director at Little Mittens,is worried the fox, which she believes is a healthy adult, could be too savvy to take the bait.

"We are just hoping that it goes for the trap which is not an easy thing, those guys are smart," she said.

Worth would like to remove the hook and give the fox, whose gender is not known at this time, a shot of antibiotics and then send it on its way.

For now, Wannamaker will continue to co-ordinate the on-the-ground effort to catch and release the animal, by working with a local property owner where the animal has been repeatedly seen.

She has another possible theory for whyit continues to evade capture...

"I think he's angry that we are trying to take his jewlery away," said Wannamaker.

Anyone who sees the animal can help Wannamaker and Worth (and ultimately this sly fox) by callingLittle Mittens Animal Rescue Association at 250-939-8085.