Hessilhead Wildlife has issued an appeal to help track down the animal so the collar can be safely removed.
The charity, which helps rehabilitate wildlife, says it is essential the collar is removed as it poses a serious risk to the fox’s safety, and they are calling for anyone who sees it regularly and would be willing to have a humane trap placed in their garden to get in touch.
A picture shared by Hessilhead shows a fox wearing what appears to be a black collar.
A post shared on Facebook read: “We have been made aware of a fox in the Paisley area wearing a collar.
“Our priority is to locate and catch this fox as soon as possible so the collar can be safely removed.
“If anyone sees this fox regularly and would be willing to have a humane trap placed in their garden, we would be very grateful to hear from you.
“It is essential that the collar is removed, as it poses a serious risk to the animal’s safety and well-being.”
They post continued: “Fitting a collar to a wild fox is particularly dangerous, as it can lead to injury or asphyxiation and indicates that the animal has become overly accustomed to human contact.”
The charity, which is located in Beith, also reminded people that it is illegal to keep foxes as pets and that attempts to tame them can be harmful to their welfare.
They said: “Foxes that become comfortable around people are at much greater risk of injury or death (both from other foxes and from human-related dangers) and they are significantly less able to survive independently in the wild.
“Providing appropriate supplemental food can be beneficial, particularly during difficult periods, but interacting closely with foxes (such as talking to them, touching them, or attempting to tame them) puts them at risk.
“Unfortunately, not everyone has kind intentions towards wildlife, and foxes that lose their natural wariness of humans can be deliberately harmed, including through poisoned food.”
Hessilhead Wildlife can be contacted by phone via 01505 502415.