This birdfeeder is driving me NUTS! Squirrel gets trapped in cage as he tries to gorge on the seeds left out for his feathered rivals
This nutty squirrel bit off more than he could chew when he got jammed in a bird feeder while snacking on seeds.
A homeowner in Hartlepool went to replenish the nuts in her garden birdfeeder on Saturday, only to find the squirrel imprisoned by its metal bars.
The animal-lover called the RSPCA and rescue officer Ruth Thomas-Coxon used wire cutters to free the trapped grey, which then scampered off down the garden to freedom.
Pictures of the creature showed him trapped inside the contraction, which was designed to be squirrel-proof.
The squirrel got jammed in a bird feeder while snacking on seeds at a home in Hartlepool. He was found by the homeowner who called the RSPCA
RSPCA and rescue officer Ruth Thomas-Coxon used wire cutters to free the trapped grey, which then scampered off down the garden to freedom
Ms Thomas-Coxon said: 'This greedy boy must have gone in - even though this is a squirrel-proof feeder - and obviously he had such a good feed he got wedged and was unable to exit.
'Luckily his predicament was spotted 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, 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, and to call for help if they find a trapped animal.
The charity also said that, although grey squirrels are considered an invasive alien species and cannot legally be released back into the wild if taken into care for rehabilitation or treatment, they can be legally released in situ.
Ms Thomas-Coxon 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.
'In this instance the resident did exactly the right thing - she was checking the feeder regularly to feed the birds and then when she found the squirrel stuck she called the RSPCA for help.
'The RSPCA is the only charity with teams out rescuing animals across England and Wales this Christmas.
'We have to be there for all kinds of animals who need help, including wildlife. It will cost us £3,750 to feed the animals at one of our wildlife centres this December.
'We rely entirely on donations to keep our wildlife centres open so we’re calling on animal lovers to Join the Christmas Rescue to help keep our teams doing whatever it takes to rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife.'
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