Raccoon rescued after getting head stuck in metal drain cover

A raccoon was rescued from a metal drain cover and released back into nature on Sunday.



The adult male raccoon was found with his head struck in Soquel, California. The Santa Cruz Animal Shelter called Wildlife Emergency Services for assistance in freeing the raccoon.



Dr. Chad Alves, a veterinarian with Wildlife Emergency Services, sedated the raccoon, allowing the rescue crew to cut the metal from around the animal’s neck. After about 20 minutes, the raccoon was successfully freed from the grate.



The veterinarian tended to the raccoon’s superficial wounds. The raccoon was later given grapes, watermelon, and water while it recuperated. The raccoon slept off the sedative and was then returned to its natural habitat at about 8:30pm.

You can see video of the rescue operation here.