A Squirrel in Scunthorpe got a bit of a nasty surprise after getting stuck headfirst in a birdfeeder
He has been freed and escaped unharmed
A greedy squirrel looking for Christmas nuts got a bit of a nasty surprise after getting stuck in a birdfeeder in Scunthorpe.
He'd gone in headfirst and was left with his feet dangling from the bottom.
The RSPCA were called and said he looked a bit like Santa who'd got stuck in a chimney. The squirrel was freed and scampered off without injury.
RSPCA animal rescuer inspector Claire Mitchell was called to a garden in Lime Grove, Scunthopre, on Friday (December 17) when the resident spotted the stricken squirrel.
The squirrel had managed to get inside a bird feeder head first searching for a feast of nuts - but he bit off more than he could chew quite literally and got himself stuck!
Claire Mitchell from the RSPCA said:
“This greedy boy must have gone in and obviously had such a good feed on his Christmas nuts he was unable to exit.
“His legs were just dangling out of the feeder which reminded me of Santa stuck in a chimney! Luckily his predicament was spotted by the residents who alerted us or he could have endured prolonged suffering.
“He was obviously frightened but otherwise appeared unscathed from his ordeal - however he probably needs to lay off the nuts for a while!
“I freed him in situ, as we’re legally allowed to do, by giving him a good pull and as soon as he was free he made a quick getaway - which was good to see.”
The RSPCA is urging people to keep an eye on all wildlife feeders in their garden to make sure animals do not get stuck or injured
Claire added: “There are many types of ‘squirrel-proof’ feeders available but it seems that a few could still trap wildlife.
“I would urge people who have them to check their feeders regularly to look out for any trapped wildlife and if you are going on holiday take them down.
“Alternatively use non-squirrel proof feeders which may attract other wildlife but at least it will prevent animals like squirrels getting trapped.”
If you encounter a squirrel caught in a bird feeder, do not try to free the animal yourself as you may risk hurting the animal or yourself. Instead monitor the situation and call the RSPCA emergency line on 0300 1234 999.