A rotund rat in Bensheim, Germany, was a little too big to get out of a manhole cover and needed the help of some firefighters.
According to a Facebook post from local animal nonprofit Berufstierrettung Rhein Neckar, the rat was stuck in a hole in a manhole cover Saturday. The Washington Post reported that two girls saw the rat, which was screeching, and rescuers were brought in.
"She had a lot of winter flab and was stuck fast at her hip -- there was no going forward or back," BBC News reported animal rescuer Michael Sehr told German media. When Sehr couldn't get the rat out on his own, volunteer firefighters were brought in.
Using a pole with an adjustable loop, firefighters were able to safely rescue the rat after some gentle pulling and pushing.
Credit: Berufstierrettung-Rhein-Neckar
Credit: Berufstierrettung-Rhein-Neckar
The rat was released back into the sewer and has since gotten notoriety online.
"We don't make any difference between animals," rescue organization spokesman for Andreas Steinbach told The Washington Post. "We don't kill animals, we rescue them. ... For us, it was a normal day," Steinbach said.
As a thank-you, the little girls who found the rat gave him a drawing of the critter, surrounded by hearts.
Video of the rescue can be seen below:
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