A CURIOUS fox cub has been rescued after it got stuck in a chunk of concrete for five hours while trying steal a piece of cake.

The little fox “bit more off than she could chew” in her quest for a tasty snack, becoming wedged in a mosquito trap in a surprised couple’s garden.

Wendy Bradmore and Keith Collins discovered the unfortunate animal at their home in Littlehampton on Tuesday morning.

Ms Bradmore said: “We came downstairs at around 7am and spotted the silly little fox with her head well and truly stuck.

“She appeared to be wedged in a big chunk of concrete but my Keith explained that it was an old mosquito trap made out of concrete with a hole in the middle which was used to attract the bugs and trap them inside.

“It seems she’d dislodged the metal part that sat inside and pushed her head inside but got stuck. I didn’t even know this thing was in the garden and it was really upsetting to see her stuck there, distressed and struggling to breathe.”

The couple tried to give their unexpected guest some water, but the fox was very frightened so they decided to call the RSPCA for help.

RSPCA inspector Kate Barnes said: “We found a small piece of cake at the bottom of the gap so we think she followed her nose in there for a snack and bit off more than she could chew!”

Firefighters were able to break open the concrete while being very careful not to injure the fox cub in the process.

The animal thankfully was uninjured and was later released back into the garden in the hopes she would find her way back to her den.

The Argus: The fox 'bit off more than she could chew'The fox 'bit off more than she could chew'

“Hopefully next time she’ll think before she follows her nose; or her stomach!”

The RSPCA recommends that anyone who spots a wild animal who is trapped, sick or injured should keep their distance and monitor before calling the organisation for help on 0300 1234 999.

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care, members of the public can visit its website or call the donation line on 0300 123 8181.