THE RSPCA were called out to rescue a badly injured squirrel which had got her leg stuck in a hanging bracket holding a bird feeder.

A resident came across the trapped animal in their garden in Station Road, Shipley, West Yorkshire, on the morning of September 4. 

They were unable to free the squirrel so called the RSPCA for help.

Animal rescue officer David Holgate was sent to the scene and could see the squirrel’s leg was stuck in a gap on the hanging bracket which holds the bird feeder.

In her desperate attempts to free herself the frightened squirrel had almost severed her leg off and had severe blood loss. 

Sadly, she was so seriously injured the decision was made to put her to sleep to end her suffering.

Now David is urging people with bird feeders about the dangers they pose to other wildlife.

He said: “It was a very sad situation but the resident did the right thing in calling us to help- sadly in this case the squirrel was suffering so much she had to be put to sleep.

“I would like to urge people with feeders on brackets like these to adapt them so other wildlife - or even domestic cats - do not find themselves in this predicament. 

“Maybe they could place something like a piece of wood in the gap to stop this happening.

“We get many calls to situations like this and sometimes squirrels will get stuck inside the actual bird feeder.

“There are many types of ‘squirrel-proof’ feeders available but it seems that a few of these still trap wildlife.

“I would urge people who have them to check their feeders regularly to look out for any trapped wildlife and if you are going on holiday take them down. Small adaptations or hanging the feeder from a tree could also help prevent incidents like this.”

If you encounter a squirrel caught in a bird feeder, do not try to free the animal yourself as you may risk hurting the animal or yourself.

Instead monitor the situation and call the RSPCA emergency line on 0300 1234 999.