A fox found stuck in a chain-link fence in Montecito was freed by firefighters this week after a resident spotted the animal and called for help, the Montecito Fire Department confirmed. I read the department’s social media post, which said crews used hand tools to carefully cut the fence without injuring the fox.
Firefighters arrived at the scene on Monday morning and found the fox tangled in the metal mesh, unable to move. The resident who reported the animal told responders, “If nobody noticed, I don’t think it would’ve survived,” according to the department. The fox was released unharmed and ran off into nearby brush.
Wildlife rescues involving fences are not unusual in California, where urban and suburban development often borders natural habitats. A similar incident in 2023 saw a deer trapped in a chain-link fence in Santa Barbara County requiring a multi-agency response. The Montecito Fire Department advises residents who spot an animal caught in a fence or other structure to call 911 or local animal control rather than attempting a rescue themselves.
For homeowners in the state, checking fences for gaps or loose sections can prevent entanglements. I recommend following the steps outlined in the easy steps to snake-proof your yard guide, which also covers securing chain-link fence edges that can trap small animals like foxes. While the advice focuses on snakes, the same methods work for keeping wildlife from getting stuck.
The rescue highlights the importance of keeping fence lines clear of debris that could snag animals. The Montecito Fire Department confirmed the fox sustained no visible injuries and was able to walk away on its own. The full report is available from The Cool Down.
The notice is published by The Cool Down at www.thecooldown.com.
