A quick-thinking Londoner has been hailed a hero after stepping in to save a fox that got its head completely stuck inside an empty packet of Wotsits crisps.
A Startling Discovery on a London Street
Daniel Richardson, a 32-year-old removal man from Enfield, made the unusual discovery while walking home on December 22, 2025. He initially spotted the animal near some street bins and reached for his phone to film it, as he often enjoys recording wildlife. It was only upon closer inspection that he realised the creature was in serious trouble.
"I noticed something odd about it," Daniel explained. "I found that it had a large empty bag of crisps completely covering its face and head." The fox was clearly distressed and disoriented, blindly stumbling near the road. Fearing it would be hit by traffic, Daniel knew he had to act, despite normally avoiding intervention with wild animals.
The Delicate Rescue Operation
Nervous about being bitten, Daniel carefully approached the stranded animal. He used clicking noises in an attempt to calm the fox before gently reaching for the bright orange crisp packet. With a steady hand, he managed to pull the bag free, liberating the fox from its plastic prison.
"I was wary and nervous of it biting me once I pulled the bag off," he admitted. The moment of release was brief but dramatic. "It was more startling to see me standing beside it after it had regained its vision and bounced back in shock for a split second before going back to another rubbish bag on the floor." Thankfully unharmed, the fox quickly scampered away. Daniel then did one more good deed for the environment by picking up the discarded litter.
Urban Foxes: London's Wild Neighbours
This incident highlights the close quarters at which humans and wildlife often live in the capital. According to the London Wildlife Trust, an estimated 10,000 foxes call the city their home, forging a life amongst its streets and gardens.
Such encounters are becoming a recognised part of London life. Broadcasting legend Sir David Attenborough recently explored this dynamic in his documentary, Wild London, where he got up close with urban foxes—an experience he described as 'a huge thrill'.
Daniel's act of kindness serves as a timely reminder of the impact of litter on urban wildlife and the simple, compassionate actions that can prevent harm to the creatures that share our city spaces.
