Firefighters Use Jaws of Life to Free Raccoon With Head Stuck in Tree

Austin, United States – Firefighters in Austin, Texas, used a hydraulic rescue tool to free a raccoon whose head was stuck in the hollow of a tree.

A crew was sent to the scene after a neighbour called 911 to report the raccoon trapped high up in the tree, the Austin Firefighters Association said.

A firefighter climbed a ladder and used a hydraulic spreader, the tool known as the Jaws of Life, to widen the hole so the raccoon could pull its head out.

"This rescue is a great example of what makes Austin firefighters such an important part of our community," the association wrote. "The job goes beyond fighting fires and responding to emergencies. It's about finding solutions, thinking outside the box, and using their training and equipment in creative ways to help those who need it, even when the one in trouble has four legs and a furry tail."