Raccoons are known for getting into all kinds of things while out scavenging for food. They will tip over garbage cans, rip open bags and even climb into an attic looking for food if they can find a way in.
They will also use tree hollows for dens. Assuming, of course, that they fit into said tree hollow — which isn’t always the case, as firefighters in Austin, Texas, found out last week when a raccoon got its head stuck in a hole in a tree.
A concerned neighbor called the Austin Fire Department to see if they could help the trash panda out. It wasn’t reported if the raccoon was after food or if it was in the market for a den when it became stuck in the tree.
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What was reported is that the firefighters answered the call, used a Jaws of Life-type tool, and freed the stuck animal from the hole in the tree.
The raccoon’s apparent limpness as it was lowered to the ground caused concern that its scavenging days were behind it. The firefighters addressed those concerns.
“RACCOON RESCUE UPDATE: HE’S OKAY! For everyone who has been concerned about the raccoon Austin firefighters recently rescued from a tree, we have good news!” the Austin Firefighter Association wrote.
“Although the video may make it look like the raccoon is unconscious or has passed away when crews free him and lower him to the ground using a tool called a catch pole, we’re happy to report that he was alive and unharmed!”
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Perhaps the raccoon was simply embarrassed by the miscalculation of the size of its head in relation to the size of the hole. I’m sure it’s not the first nor will it be the last raccoon to do so.
“After what we can only imagine was a long, stressful struggle with his head stuck in the tree, our little friend was understandably tired. But when firefighters handed him over to Animal Control, he was okay!,” the update continued.
“Thank you to everyone who reached out and showed concern for this little guy. We’re glad this rescue had a happy ending!”
What more can you ask for from a raccoon with its head stuck in a tree hollow story than a happy ending?