Big White Fire Department Rescues Pet Squirrel from Treetop Adventure

BIG WHITE, BC – Douglas, a one-year-old pet squirrel from Big White, found himself in an unexpected predicament on June 23, requiring a rescue operation by the local Fire Department. Douglas, who was found sick and abandoned as a baby, was nursed back to health by Kelly Blair, a retired lifelong animal lover. The hope was for Douglas to eventually be released into the wild, but due to recurring seizures, he was deemed unfit for immediate release and continues to live with Blair. On the day of the incident, Douglas, who had never previously shown interest in jumping due to his health issues, leaped from Blair's shoulder onto the ground during a walk. His initial excitement quickly turned to a perilous situation as he then scaled a tree, reaching a height of over 25 feet, and became frozen with fear. Blair promptly contacted the Big White Fire Department, which dispatched a truck equipped with a ladder. A firefighter ascended the ladder, carefully retrieved Douglas, and brought him safely back to the ground. After his arboreal adventure, Douglas reportedly drank some water and settled down for a long nap. Blair expressed his thrill that Douglas is now able to jump and stated that he plans to invest in a harness for their future excursions to ensure the squirrel's safety. Blair also encourages donations to the Interior Wildlife Rehabilitation Society to support other animals in need.

Vancouver Island Free Daily

VIDEO: Pet squirrel rescued from tree by B.C. fire department

Douglas the squirrel unexpectedly jumped from his owner's shoulder and scurried up a tree for the first time ever, and then froze