Sunbathing ferret's lucky Angus river rescue
An Angus ferret had a lucky escape after being stranded on the River North Esk.
An Angus ferret had a lucky escape after being stranded on the River North Esk.
Animal Rescue Officers used a ladder and net to rescue the ferret after the animal had become trapped on a river rock formation due to fast flowing water slightly north of Edzell.
A concerned member of the public had contacted the Scottish SPCA after spotting the ferret on the river.
The ferret is currently being cared for at our rescue and rehoming centre at Petterden.
Animal Rescue Officer Coreen Hill said, “The ferret had been seen for three days prior to us being called out on the evening of Thursday 1 September.
“At that time the ferret had been sun bathing and the area had a slight rock formation where he had been sleeping and looked to be under no stress.
“Since they can swim I decided to check back in the morning and assess the situation.
“When I returned on Friday 2 September the area that the ferret had been on was in the middle of very fast flowing water.
“At that point I decided that, due to safety reasons, this would not be a rescue that could be carried out on my own.
“I asked my fellow Animal Rescue Officer Ben Soutar to assist to see if we could rescue the ferret together.
“By the time I returned with Ben the ferret had woken up and was furiously trying to escape from the rock, but was unable to do so due to the fast flowing water.
“We placed a ladder over the rocks and my colleague stretched over to try and encourage the ferret to pop into the net.
“After much persuasion the ferret hopped into the net and was moved to safety.
“He was very happy to be rescued and taken to our centre in Petterden for much needed food and sleep.
“We will look after him until we can discover his original owner or find him a loving new home.”
Anyone with information is being asked to contact the Scottish SPCA’s animal helpline on 03000 999 999.