Firefighters Rush to Rescue ‘Puppies’ From Drain – But Vet’s Shocking Discovery Leaves Everyone Stunned
Imagine walking past a storm drain and suddenly hearing the tiny cries of what sound like helpless puppies calling out for their mother. For most animal lovers, this would be an immediate call to action—and that’s exactly how two concerned residents of Colorado Springs reacted when faced with that exact scenario.
Drawn by the unmistakable whimpers of newborn animals echoing from the depths of the drain, the pair took a closer look and discovered what appeared to be nine tiny, vulnerable puppies squirming inside with no mother in sight. Alarmed and eager to help, they quickly contacted the Colorado Springs Fire Department.
Firefighters are no strangers to rescuing animals in distress. These everyday heroes often go above and beyond to ensure the safety of not only people but also pets and wildlife. When the call came in, they sprang into action, expecting this to be a straightforward animal rescue.
The team carefully lifted the tiny creatures out of the storm drain—just a few feet underground—and placed them gently on a towel to keep them warm and safe. Since the mother still hadn’t appeared, they decided to transport the litter to a nearby animal shelter where a veterinarian could assess their condition.
But that’s where the story took an unexpected and shocking turn.
When the vet examined the animals, he delivered astonishing news: the rescued “puppies” weren’t puppies at all. They were actually newborn red fox kits—wild animals that, in their early days, closely resemble domesticated dog puppies. Adding to the confusion, red fox kits are typically born with black fur, making them look even more like newborn dogs.
Travis Sauder, a representative from Colorado Parks and Wildlife, later explained in a video that it’s common for red foxes to give birth in small, sheltered places like storm drains, tree hollows, or under porches. And while finding wildlife in residential areas might feel unusual, it happens often in the springtime when many species are raising their young.
Sauder emphasized an important message for the public: if you come across a group of baby animals in the wild, it’s best to leave them alone. Even if their mother isn’t immediately visible, chances are she’s nearby and simply out searching for food. Moving her babies can cause confusion and stress—and may even prevent her from returning at all.
Realizing the innocent mistake, the firefighters acted quickly and responsibly by returning the fox kits to the storm drain where they had been found. Wildlife officials from Colorado Parks and Wildlife have since committed to checking on the litter regularly to ensure the mother comes back. If she doesn’t, the kits will be transferred to a rehabilitation center where they can be raised properly and, hopefully, released back into the wild.
It’s a story so surprising, it almost sounds unbelievable—but it serves as a powerful lesson in understanding and respecting wildlife.
👉 Have you ever stumbled upon a baby animal and wondered what to do? This story is a reminder that sometimes, the best way to help is to observe and protect from a distance. Watch the full video at the end and share this wild mix-up with fellow animal lovers!