Good Intentions
The three didn’t know if the creature had contact with humans in the past because they knew that animals in the wild could become vicious when cornered. Although their intention was to save it, they may lose the chance to do so if it wouldn’t let them.
A Wild Fox
The first thing that the three friends wanted to do was to tame the animal. With hands stretched out, they approached it while talking quietly, calling the animal to them. It was exactly what would make a tame animal run toward them.