Greedy squirrel rescued after getting trapped in bird feeder

A greedy squirrel needed a helping hand after getting his chunky body stuck in a birdfeeder.

RSPCA animal rescuer inspector Caren Goodman-Janes was called to a garden in Mere Bank, Northwich on Saturday (June 19) when a resident spotted the stricken squirrel in his neighbour’s garden 

The squirrel had managed to get in a bird feeder which was hung from the bird table and then became stuck. 

The feeder is designed to encourage small birds to feed from the outside but on this occasion a hungry squirrel managed to get inside.

Sadly it seems the squirrel bit off more than he could chew - quite literally - and was unable to get back out. 

He was left in an undignified position with his head poking out of the top of the feeder and his bum wedged in the bottom.  

Fortunately a neighbour noticed the squirrel was struggling and saw in his eagerness to escape that the feeder had fallen to the floor - so he called the RSPCA for help

Caren was sent to the scene and she could see the poor squirrel had caught his jaw on the rim of the feeder and his claws were stuck so she could not ease him out.

Caren said: “This greedy boy must have gone in and obviously had such a good feed he was unable to exit.

“As his bum was trapped he really must have felt like he had quite literally hit the bottom - but luckily his predicament was spotted by the neighbour who alerted us or he could have endured prolonged suffering.

“I am not sure if he went in the feeder upside down then after having some seed realised he was unable to get back out. In his struggle the feeder fell to the floor and when I arrived had rolled into some nearby bushes.

“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 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.

Caren 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. 

“Alternatively use non-squirrel proof feeders which may attract other wildlife but at least it will prevent animals like squirrels getting trapped.”

If you encounter a squirrel caught in a bird feeder, do not try to free the animal yourself as you may risk hurting the animal or yourself. Instead monitor the situation and call the RSPCA emergency line on 0300 1234 999. 

*The grey squirrel - which is considered an invasive alien species - cannot legally be released back into the wild if taken into care for rehabilitation or treatment. They can only be legally released in situ - as was the case here

To help the RSPCA continue rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming animals in desperate need of care please visit our website or call our donation line on 0300 123 8181.