The work of a construction crew in Ohio took an unexpected turn when they found a kitten trapped inside an excavator.
The ordeal ended with a fitting name and a new future for the tiny survivor as the company's eventual shop cat.
What happened?
As the Akron Beacon Journal reported, Chase Guello, operating supervisor at River Reach Construction in Barberton, Ohio, discovered the kitten stuck inside a Komatsu excavator
In a social media post, Guello said he followed the sound of the kitten's cries, removed the excavator's skid plate, and allowed the animal to come out through the bottom of the machine.
After getting her out, Guello brought her into the office trailer because he suspected she may have been trapped in the summer heat for a day or two.
Why does it matter?
During hot weather, small animals trapped in machinery, vehicles, or enclosed spaces can face serious danger. Getting the kitten out quickly and moving her indoors likely made a major difference.
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Helping animals in distress can be critical to saving a life, but it is important to prioritize safety and call for help, especially in the case of wild animals.
Human activity and urban development can also lead to more direct encounters with animals, putting both people and the animals at risk. As natural spaces and habitats are encroached upon, the risk of human-animal interaction and conflict rises.
What's being done?
The kitten was named Komatsu after the equipment brand, with the moniker picked following an online poll. Sue became her everyday nickname.
On July 15, Guello said the crew had not found Sue's mother or any other cats, so they arranged care through a contact at One of a Kind Pet Rescue. After a couple of weeks, the shop mechanic intended to take over, bringing Sue back and forth between home and work. When she is old enough, she will become the company's shop cat.
A July 16 update said Sue was healthy, playful, and eating. The construction equipment company Komatsu later sent Guello a package for Sue that included a miniature safety vest and hard hat, which she modeled in a July 30 post.
Thanks to Guello's rescue mission, Sue now has a growing fanbase and a place waiting for her at the shop.
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