Drivers on an Ontario, Canada, highway ramp noticed a raccoon caught in a roadside grate, and the ordeal ended safely after police rescued the animal.
Images from the rescue showed what looked almost like a plea for help, with only the raccoon's head and one paw visible through the catch basin opening.
Here's what to know
The incident happened on the shoulder of the ramp connecting eastbound Highway 403 to Highway 407 in Burlington, where Ontario Provincial Police officers freed the trapped raccoon, The Hamilton Spectator reported.
To carry out the rescue, officers closed the left lane and worked to release the animal, which police nicknamed Rocky.
In a social media post, police said Burlington officers were alerted by "sharp-eyed drivers" after the raccoon became stuck beside the active roadway.
Police said the raccoon ran off with no apparent injuries after officers gave it a "helping hand."
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More background
Roads, drainage systems, and catch basins are crucial for transportation and stormwater management. At the same time, they can become dangerous traps for animals trying to navigate urban and suburban spaces.
Because the raccoon was lodged beside a busy highway ramp, helping it safely required managing traffic as well as protecting the animal. Blocking a lane gave officers room to work.
Where can I learn more?
Like the Burlington rescue, these incidents involved people stepping in when animals got stuck in dangerous places. They include police, firefighters, and wildlife rescuers freeing trapped animals from roadsides, containers, and debris.
• On a major roadway, police stopped traffic to catch a loose 6-foot lizard.
• In Michigan, officers saved a distressed deer caught in an unusual predicament.
• Firefighters cut open a dumpster to free a raccoon stuck headfirst.
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