Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in May 2019.

A remarkable rescue story unfolded in Saint Andrews when two quick-thinking teenagers came to the aid of a squirrel trapped under a vehicle. The tiny creature was ensnared in hard foam insulation, rendering it nearly unrecognizable.

Jaydon Pettipas and Aidan Hart, aged 15 and 16, were on a walk in downtown Saint Andrews when they noticed a small crowd gathered outside Joey’s Your Independent Grocer. Investigating further, they were astonished to find the squirrel entangled in the insulation, realizing that its time was running out.

Closeup of the squirrel covered in hard foam insulation, Photo Credit: St. George Veterinary Clinic/Facebook

Aidan Hart, displaying exceptional resourcefulness, ventured into the grocery store and retrieved a small milk crate to house the squirrel temporarily. The duo sprang into action, making phone calls to family and friends, seeking assistance for the trapped animal.

Jaydon Pettipas recounted that “No one really knew what to do with it.”

Pettipas’s mother stepped in, contacting the nearest veterinary clinic, located 33 kilometers northeast in St. George. She was strongly advised to bring the squirrel in as soon as possible.

Closeup of the squirrel on its side covered in hard foam insulation, Photo Credit: St. George Veterinary Clinic/Facebook

Before departing, compassionate bystanders requested Jaydon Pettipas’s cell phone number, expressing a desire to receive updates on the animal’s condition the following day. The Grade 10 student received numerous calls inquiring about the squirrel.

At the St. George Veterinary Clinic, Dr. Melanie Eagan was taken aback by the condition of the squirrel, describing it as unlike anything she had ever encountered. The animal had limited mobility, with only slight movement in its back legs. Dr. Eagan emphasized that the squirrel’s survival hinged on the prompt actions of the two teenagers.

Closeup of the squirrel after removal of all the foam insulation from its body, Photo Credit: St. George Veterinary Clinic/Facebook

Dr. Eagan dismissed any suspicions of malicious intent behind the foam insulation, positing that the squirrel likely sought shelter in someone’s garage, basement, or shed and became ensnared. She explained that someone was likely using the foam to seal a hole to block drafts, and the squirrel unwittingly passed through while the foam was still wet. Given the rapid hardening of the material, it wouldn’t have taken long for the squirrel to become distressed.

Loosening the foam from the squirrel’s fur proved to be a laborious process, necessitating time, patience, and the application of rubbing alcohol. Dr. Eagan noted the remarkable hardness of the foam. When alcohol proved ineffective, she carefully combed out the foam, resulting in fur loss and skin abrasions.

The squirrel’s fur coat looking virtually back to normal after grooming, Photo Credit: St. George Veterinary Clinic/Facebook

The resilient squirrel has been released in the vicinity of the St. George veterinary clinic. Dr. Eagan, although lacking previous experience treating squirrels, commended the two teenagers for their swift and compassionate response to aid the distressed animal.

Jaydon Pettipas, reflecting on the experience, emphasized the importance of kindness in helping animals in need, stating, “I definitely learned that it’s kind to help out, especially animals in need.” This heartwarming rescue highlights the significance of quick and compassionate action in assisting animals facing dire circumstances.

Sources: CBC