New York Firefighters Rescue Squirrel Trapped in Dumpster Drain Hole
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. — On Christmas Eve, the Binghamton Fire Department responded to an unusual call that showcased both their skill and compassion. A squirrel, later named Holly, had become trapped with her head stuck through a small drain hole on the side of a dumpster. Firefighters from Quint 2, Group B arrived to find the distressed animal’s head poking out, and with patience and a gentle touch, they successfully freed her.
The rescue, described by the department on their official city website, was a reminder that emergency responders often face unexpected challenges beyond the typical fires and accidents. Holly was immediately turned over to the wildlife rehabilitation experts at All Creatures Great and Small Wildlife Rehab, where she received treatment for a cut on her head and an injured paw.
Despite her ordeal, Holly was given a festive Christmas Eve feast of peanuts and other treats, generously donated by a local business, C&D Liquor. The rehab center reported that while Holly’s injuries are healing, she was severely dehydrated and emaciated upon arrival. Officials emphasized that she will be released back into the wild once she regains her strength.
This incident highlights the vital role of wildlife rehabilitation centers, which operate under guidelines from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to care for and eventually return injured animals to their natural habitats. It also underscores the diverse nature of calls handled by fire departments, whose personnel are trained to respond to a wide array of emergencies.
Similar rescues have been reported across the country recently, including firefighters in Connecticut who used an inflatable boat to save a deer stranded on a frozen lake, and a British rowing team that paused their Atlantic Ocean crossing to free a sea turtle entangled in a discarded fishing net. These stories serve as a testament to the growing awareness and efforts to protect wildlife in urban and natural environments.
For more information on wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, the public can refer to resources provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and local animal welfare organizations. The Binghamton Fire Department’s compassionate response to Holly’s plight is a heartwarming example of community service during the holiday season.
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