Squirrel with head stuck in railway station roof sparks rescue by firefighters

22 September 2023 , 10:59

1226     0

The squirrel pictured stuck in the roof (Image: Jam Presss / RSPCA)

A squirrel sparked an emergency after getting its head stuck in a railway station roof with firefighters rushing to the scene.

Police and fire crews were called to Farnborough Main station, Hampshire, where the stricken animal had managed to get its head lodged in the roof over one of the platforms. The animal appeared to have poked its head through a hole but then was unable to wriggle itself clear and a worried passenger alerted the RSPCA to the problem. They then sprung into action, calling police and fire fighters to try and help free the distressed squirrel.

South Western Railway and Network Rail were also alerted in case the incident would affect services. Firefighters used a ladder to climb up to the station roof at the station where they found the squirrel’s bottom and bushy tail sticking out of the top. Thankfully the crew were able to squeeze it out and release it back into the wild. Concerned local Dee Mackie said: “I pulled into the station to see a fireman on the roof. But my train left before they managed to free the little one.”

Fire crews responding to the call out over the squirrel (Jam Presss / RSPCA)

The scene of the incident at Farnborough Main station (Jam Presss / RSPCA)

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "A squirrel got his head firmly wedged into this station roof. He was released with help from our friends at Network Rail, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and Hampshire Police.” The RSPCA also states on its website on how to help squirrels: "If the squirrel is trapped (for example in a bird feeder or your house), free it. The law still permits freeing squirrels and releasing them where they were found. If the grey squirrel has only minor injuries, it's best to leave them in the wild."

Last month a baby squirrel was found asleep under the wing of a chicken after losing its mother and is now being cared for at a rescue centre. The unusual bond formed on a farm in Tayport, Fife, where the squirrel kit spent several days nestled under a chicken, presumably seeking warmth and comfort after being separated from its mother. It is now being cared for at the Scottish SPCA's National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Fishcross, Clackmannanshire, before being released back into the wild.

Furious chimp launches bottle at girl filming him leaving her bleeding at zoo

Beth Galbraith, an animal rescue officer with the Scottish SPCA, an animal welfare charity, shared the details of this unique rescue: "We received a call from a member of the public who advised a squirrel had been coming into their hen house and sleeping under a chicken for several days. The squirrel kit had likely been separated from his mother and had been seeking warmth and comfort from the hen."

Tim Hanlon