The wildlife officer arrived minutes later with bolt cutters, thick gloves, and a carrier. His name was Colin Reeves, and he moved slowly, speaking in a low voice as he approached the culvert. “Homemade snare,” he said after one look. “Illegal if it’s set like this.” The fox growled again, but the sound was fading. Dr. Maren handed Colin a blanket. Ava stood back with Luna, one hand resting against the dog’s damp shoulder. Luna’s body felt too warm and too tired, but her eyes never left the culvert.
Freeing the fox took careful work. Colin had to cut the wire without causing more damage to the leg. Dr. Maren reached in for the kit first, wrapping the tiny body in a towel and passing it to Ava. It was cold, but alive. When the wire finally snapped, the vixen tried to drag herself backward. Colin covered her gently, lifted her into the carrier, and latched it before she could hurt herself further.
Ava expected relief. Instead, Luna suddenly surged forward with the last of her strength, pulling toward the brambles behind the culvert. Dr. Maren caught the leash just in time. “What is it now?” Ava whispered. Colin raised his flashlight. Beyond the brambles, half-hidden in the mud, were two more snares. One was empty. The other was not.