Here’s a shorter, more humanized version of the story:

Firefighters Thought They Rescued 8 Labrador Puppies—Until They Took a Closer Look

When Colorado fire captain Brian Vaughan got a call in 2018 about a litter of abandoned black Lab puppies stuck in a drain, he and his crew didn’t hesitate. Within 20 minutes, they’d pulled all eight tiny animals to safety.

But when the pups were taken to a local animal rescue, staff quickly realized something was off.

“These aren’t Labradors,” a vet said. “They’re foxes.”

The mix-up made sense—red foxes are common near the Rocky Mountains, and their pups are born with darker fur that later changes to red. Wildlife experts decided to return the cubs to the drain, hoping their mother would return to care for them.

“This time of year, many wild animals are having their young,” said Travis Sauder of Colorado Parks and Wildlife. “They often choose hidden places that humans can stumble across.”

The story is a reminder that even with the best intentions, it’s important to call professionals when dealing with wildlife. Thankfully, these little foxes were saved—and with any luck, they’ll be back with their mom soon.