Rare silver fox found roaming in Cheshire garden

A homeowner in Alsager, near Crewe, was shocked to find the impressive-looking animal roaming in their garden.

A former RSPCA inspector living nearby had the equipment and knowledge to safely catch the fox, which was then taken to Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in nearby Nantwich.

Shadow the silver fox at Stapeley Grange RSPCA centre (Image: RSPCA)

Amanda Lovett, who worked for the RSPCA before setting up cattery Mere Moggies Boarding, said: "I was alerted to a post on a local Facebook group and it would seem the fox had been in the garden for most of the day.

"This was on Saturday, one of the biggest nights for fireworks, and we knew we had to get the fox to safety.
"I managed to safely catch the fox with a grasper and put him in a cat box before taking him to Stapeley Grange. He was very quiet and seemed tame."

The fox, which has no microchip, has been nicknamed Shadow by staff at Stapeley Grange.

He is currently being looked after by staff there while his owners are traced.

Lee Stewart, manager of Stapeley Grange, said: "It's likely that Shadow has been kept as a pet and he's either escaped, in which case we need to find his owners, or he has been dumped by his owners.

"He was checked over by our team of vets and was found to be in good health, just a little overweight. He's eating fine and seems to be doing well.

"He's the first silver fox we've ever had here at Stapeley Grange, in nearly 25 years we've been open. He's an impressive-looking animal and it's been interesting to us all to have such a rare admission."

If no owner can be traced, Shadow will be looked to be rehomed with a specialist owner.