The fire brigade are called to save a hedgehog in West Yorkshire
'Curious George' had to be rescued after falling down a drain in Leeds
An RSPCA officer taped her mobile phone to a snake hook to locate the hedgehog who had fallen 1.5 metres down an uncovered drain on Stanningley Road in Leeds.
Unfortunately it was well and truly stuck and a call was made to West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service to see if they could help. Because of the animal’s position, the officers had to drill and dig up the drain and the surrounding area in order to free him.
Following the incident on 19th March, the hedgehog was taken to a vet for a check before being transferred to the West Yorkshire-based charity Shelley Hedgehogs for some TLC, where volunteers there named him 'Curious George.'
After a few days of rest and recuperation he was successfully released back to the wild last Monday (25th March).
Animal Rescue Officer Aleesha Haddlesey said: "With hedgehog numbers sadly in decline, we were all delighted he was able to return to the wild unscathed from his ordeal.”
A spokesperson for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service said: “When there is genuine concern for the safety of an animal and the RSPCA are not able to rescue with their capabilities, we will send an officer to assess and where possible work with the charity to release the animal safely.”
If you have an uncovered drain or an exposed pipe near your home please report it to the water or drainage company concerned, or if it’s on your land add a suitable cover so it’s not a hazard to wildlife.
It’s not just hedgehogs who could be at risk; drains, pits and other open holes can also frequently trap unsuspecting creatures like amphibians and ducklings, so we can all do our bit to help the animals in our community to remain safe.
The RSPCA is recruiting Wildlife Friends to help make communities better places for wild animals - like this hedgehog - to live.