Animals get themselves up to all sorts - and nobody sees that more than the RSPCA’s team of rescuers.
In 2021, 281,390 incidents were reported to the charity’s frontline teams via its emergency hotline - 44,998 in the South East and 4,355 in Hertfordshire (Figures relate to number of incidents reported between January 1, and November 30, 2021) - including a fox cub who needed help after getting his back leg stuck in the metal grate of a drain in Berkhamsted.
Rescuer Lauren Bailey was called to help the stricken youngster on August 8, when passers-by spotted the poor cub.
She said: “The fox must have got stuck after his leg fell down the gap and was quite distressed and bedraggled, from the rain, when I arrived.
"We offered him a little dish of water and then set about carefully trying to wriggle him free. Thankfully, I was able to get him out but was concerned about his leg so took him to a wildlife hospital for treatment.”
Luckily, all the rescues featured here had happy endings. Here the RSPCA reveals its top rescues of 2021 across the South East.
The RSPCA is the only charity out on the frontline rescuing animals from all sorts of situations 365 days a year. To help rescuers be there for the animals in need this winter, visit the RSPCA website and Join the Winter Rescue.
17.
Rescuers from the RSPCA, police and fire service came to the rescue of a cat who got stuck 60ft high on a ledge above Ramsgate Tunnel, Kent. The ginger cat was rescued on 23 October after firefighters abseiled down to him and passed him to rescuer Clive Hopwood, on an aerial platform, to carry to safety. Photo: RSPCA
18.
A chunky squirrel needed a helping hand from the RSPCA after getting trapped in a bird feeder. Concerned homeowners spotted the squirrel stuck in the garden of their Banstead home, in Surrey, on 10 November and called the RSPCA. Photo: RSPCA
19.
A greedy badger got stuck while scavenging for food. He climbed inside the compost bin and got stuck, prompting help from RSPCA rescuer Louis Horton who rushed to Guildford, Surrey, on 24 November. The badger went to Wildlife Aid Foundation for a check-up before being released two days later. Photo: RSPCA