Austin firefighters freed a raccoon whose head had become lodged in a hole in a tree, responding after a concerned neighbor called the Austin Fire Department last week.
It was not reported whether the raccoon had been searching for food or looking for a den when it got stuck. Firefighters used a Jaws of Life-type tool to open the hole and a catch pole to lower the animal to the ground.
The raccoon appeared limp as it was brought down, prompting worry among onlookers that it had not survived the ordeal. The Austin Firefighter Association addressed those concerns in a public update.
“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!”
“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!”
The association said the raccoon was simply exhausted from the struggle before being handed over to Animal Control.
“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! Thank you to everyone who reached out and showed concern for this little guy. We’re glad this rescue had a happy ending!”
The incident occurred in Austin, Travis County.
