FOUR baby squirrels found themselves in a tangle when their tails became knotted together.
RSPCA officers received the surprising call from a member of the public in Wynyard, Stockton, over the Bank Holiday after the kits were found with their tails in a plait.
RSPCA inspector Clare Wilson, who answered the call, said: “The call said that four baby squirrels had been tied together by their tails so couldn’t get away from each other.
“I was a little sceptical as to how anyone could have done this so went as soon as I could to have a look.
“We find wildlife in some very strange predicaments but this sounded particularly odd, and it definitely was.
“There were lots of leaves and twigs also tangled and squirrels have sharp teeth so I took them to Vets Now Middlesbrough where we had more hands to help them.
“The vet nurses put towels over the squirrels so they felt safer. They seemed to realise we were trying to help them as they stayed quiet while the vet worked to untangle them.
“It turned out once the twigs and leaves were removed that the four tails were all literally plaited together.”
All four babies were uninjured and will remain at the vets until they can be transferred to a wildlife centre with a licence to release grey squirrels.
For more information on what to do if you come across injured wildlife visit rspca.org.uk/adviceandwelfare/wildlife/injuredanimals
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here