The animal rescue League of Boston (ARL) sent out a tweet on Thursday about an errant adult Eastern gray squirrel who got stuck in the narrow drain hole of a dumpster in Quincy. Some Good Samaritan got the notion to slather the poor critter in vegetable oil – and then butter – to help it slide out, but to no avail. The animal’s attempted rescuer then called in the experts.

Squirrel covered in butter but still stuck

According to ARL, the squirrel got stuck in a one-and-a-half-inch drain hole after enjoying its meal and was totally unable to escape.

In their tweet, they said the poor critter was “buttery and ashamed.” It turns out the animal’s failed rescuer should have called in ARL right away, instead of trying the oil and butter. Bill Tanguay is a senior rescue technician with ARL and said when he arrived on the scene that the poor squirrel was “all buttery,” but still completely stuck. Tanguay said with a little wiggling and pulling on the squirrel’s skin, he was able to get the animal free.

Call the experts if you find an animal in distress

Tanguay said he does admire the fact that the Good Samaritan tried to rescue the squirrel, but said lubricants on furry mammals actually do more harm than good. Instead of allowing the squirrel to slide out, it actually ends up making it difficult for the animal to stay warm, which is dangerous in colder weather.

Tanguay recommended that should someone discover an animal stuck somewhere, they should call the professionals right away. This will reduce the risk to the animal and the rescuer, should the critter get nervous and attack.

Squirrel headed for a 'spa day'

As reported by the Boston Magazine the errant squirrel luckily only got a few minor abrasions and lost some fur around his neck.

Tanguay says he was then “really feisty” and was ready to go. He did say the squirrel was terrified, as there were so many people around. The squirrel then headed off to enjoy a "spa day" at the New England Wildlife Center, where he will be monitored over the weekend.

As noted by WFTV9, Nina Flahery-Bellotti, a spokeswoman for the center, said that as soon as there is a nice day the squirrel will be released back into the wild. Speaking for ARL, Mike DeFina did say it is good to see what lengths people will go to when they see an animal in distress, but said he hopes people will in future call in the experts first.
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