Helsinki metro halted for ten minutes after fox cub spotted near tracks

Metro services in Helsinki’s Kontula district were suspended for about ten minutes Monday morning after a fox cub was seen near the tracks, according to Helsinki Rescue Services.

Emergency crews received reports from metro control and the emergency call center about a fox moving close to the rail line. Two rescue units attempted to capture the animal to prevent it from being struck by a train, said Toni Kannikoski, the duty station chief at Helsinki Rescue Services.

“So it doesn’t end up under the metro and injure itself,” Kannikoski stated.

The fox evaded capture, fleeing as rescuers approached. A similar incident occurred last week at the same station, though the animal was not caught then either. Kannikoski speculated it could be the same fox or another cub from the same litter.

“Fortunately, the young fox cubs are growing up,” he noted.