Animal welfare officers rescue trapped badger in Midlothian
The animal became stuck and had to be helped out.
Animal welfare officers rescued a badger stuck down what looked like a mine ventilation shaft or old well in Midlothian.
A dog walker spotted the animal in the hole in Bonnyrigg on Saturday, and called the Scottish SPCA when he realised it couldn't get out.
Inspector Stephanie McCrossan said: "He'd tried to make a ramp with lots of branches to enable the badger to free herself, but the drop was too steep so we eventually got a ladder to reach her.
"I was able to catch her very easily and she managed to survive her ordeal unscathed.
"Due to her being so fit and healthy I was able to release her straight back into the wild, where she can roam freely."