This is the moment a team of firefighters climbed down a 15ft drain to rescue a shivering POLECAT.
The wild weasel-like creature had got itself stuck after falling down the manhole at a sewage treatment works.
RSPCA inspector Clara Scully was unable to get down to help the weak and distressed polecat, so called for help from the emergency services.
A fire crew arrived and, after descending on a ladder, managed to coax the animal into a basket.
It is thought the polecat – an animal once on the verge of extinction – had been down there for more than 24 hours.
The animal is now recovering at RSPCA West Hatch following the incident near Creech St Michael on the outskirts of Taunton, Somerset and will eventually be released back into the wild.
Clara Scully, RSPCA animal collection officer, said: “The polecat had unfortunately got himself trapped down a manhole on a sewage treatment works site.
“He had been down there for at least 24 hours when I arrived. The workers had left a long plank down overnight hoping he would make his way out but I think he was too
weak to do this.
“I was unable to go down into the manhole and as the weather was wet and windy. The polecat was sat on the ledge cold and shivering so I called the fire service who did a brilliant job helping to rescue him.
“They arrived promptly, got a long ladder into the hole and coaxed him into the carrier and pulled him up.
“He is now recuperating at RSPCA West Hatch before we release him back into the wild.”
The polecat was targeted by gamekeepers in the 1930 and were almost hunted to extinction.
But the solitary mammals have enjoyed a resurgence in recent years and, according to the British Wildlife Centre, there are now around 68,000 in Britain.
ACO Scully added: “I’d advise anyone who spots an animal in a similar situation to always get in touch with us and not try to rescue the animal themselves as they could end up hurting themselves or cause the animal more stress or injury.
“Anyone who spots an animal in distress can report it to the RSPCA’s 24-hour emergency line by calling 0300 1234 999.”
