Few can say they are not guilty of overeating over the holidays – but this greedy squirrel took it a step too far.
In a bid to indulge in some Christmas nuts, the chunky animal bit off more than it could chew and got stuck inside a bird feeder.
Concerned residents spotted its body wedged inside the tube and furry feet dangling from the bottom near their home in Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire, and called the RSPCA.
Animal inspector Claire Mitchell was called to the rescue on December 17 at the property on Lime Grove.
When she arrived the squirrel was desperately trying to wriggle free from the predicament and the bird feeder had ended up on the ground.
Ms Mitchell highlighted the poor animal probably needs to lay off the nuts for awhile and added: ‘This greedy boy must have gone in and obviously had such a good feed on his Christmas nuts he was unable to exit.
‘His legs were just dangling out of the feeder which reminded me of Santa stuck in a chimney!
‘Luckily his predicament was spotted by the residents who alerted us or he could have endured prolonged suffering.
‘He was obviously frightened but otherwise appeared unscathed from his ordeal.
‘I freed him in situ, as we’re legally allowed to do, by giving him a good pull and as soon as he was free he made a quick getaway – which was good to see.’
While there are many types of ‘squirrel-proof’ feeders available on the market, it seems that a few could still trap wildlife.
Now, the RSPCA are urging members of the public to keep a close eye on any wildlife feeders in their gardens to make sure animals don’t get stuck or injured.
Ms Mitchell said: ‘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.
‘Alternatively use non-squirrel proof feeders which may attract other wildlife but at least it will prevent animals like squirrels getting trapped.’
Official guidance from the animal charity states that if you encounter a squirrel caught in a bird feeder, you shouldn’t try to free the animal yourself as you may risk hurting them or yourself.
RSPCA advise ‘monitoring the situation’ and calling the their emergency line on 0300 1234 999.
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