A greedy grey squirrel needed a helping hand after getting his bum stuck in a bird feeder in a garden in Birmingham.
RSPCA animal rescuer inspector Claire Davey was called to Middle Park Road in Birmingham on Friday (13th November) when Jenny Tempterton found the stricken squirrel in her garden.
The squirrel had managed to get in a bird feeder specifically for ground feeding birds.
The feeder consists of a cage which is placed on the floor with small holes in the side so birds can access the area safely to feed – but on this occasion a hungry squirrel managed to get in.
Sadly it seems the squirrel filled up too much and was unable to get out of the exit. He was left in an undignified position with his head and front legs out of the cage but his bum was wedged in.
Jenny noticed the squirrel was struggling and she and husband David realised they needed help so called the RSPCA.
Animal rescuer inspector Claire Davey was sent to the and while she held and calmed the squirrel with the help of David and some wire cutters they were able to free the animal.
Jenny said: “I have seen a few squirrels go in the bird feeder to eat some of the seeds but they always seem to make their way out fine so it was surprising to see this one stuck. He was a bit feisty so we realised we would need the help of the RSPCA.
“I was hoping he may have learned his lesson and will not be so greedy in future but just in case we have put a new bird feeder out which has bigger entrance and exit holes to stop this happening again.”
Claire said: “He was quite feisty so I needed to hold him calmly with a cover over him to stop him getting stressed while David helped me with his wire cutters on the frame.
“As soon as he was free he ran off without a second look back – maybe he was a bit embarrassed!”
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Thank you for including this relatively ligh-hearted article. I know grey squirrels are deemed as vermin, but all the same they’re just doing what comes naturally.
Glad he/she survived thanks to their rescuers