The Edinburg Animal Control team found a young gray fox trapped near the expressway.

The city’s animal control responded to a call about an animal in a trap on Tuesday and discovered the fox. Officials said gray foxes are not uncommon in the Rio Grande Valley and usually come out when they are hungry or thirsty.

Edinburg Animal Care Services Assistant Director Cesar Orellana urged people to keep their distance from wildlife.

"Never make any contact with wildlife," Orellana said. "If you do encounter them, residents are encouraged to call Texas Parks and Wildlife or Edinburg Animal Services through the 311 app."

The fox was not injured, and animal control safely released it to its natural habitat.

A homeowner in the area had originally set the trap to catch a stray cat.