{"id":955058,"date":"2026-11-02T03:18:15","date_gmt":"2026-11-02T03:18:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/955058\/"},"modified":"2026-11-02T03:18:15","modified_gmt":"2026-11-02T03:18:15","slug":"texas-firefighters-rescue-distressed-raccoon-after-its-head-gets-stuck-in-a-hole-in-a-tree","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/955058\/","title":{"rendered":"Texas firefighters rescue distressed raccoon after its head gets stuck in a hole in a tree"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Raccoons<\/a> are known for getting into all kinds of things while out scavenging for food. They will tip over garbage cans, rip open bags and even climb into an attic looking for food if they can find a way in.<\/p>\n

They will also use tree hollows for dens. Assuming, of course, that they fit into said tree hollow \u2014 which isn\u2019t always the case, as firefighters<\/a> in Austin, Texas, found out last week when a raccoon got its head stuck in a hole in a tree.<\/p>\n

\"North <\/p>\n

North American raccoon (Procyon lotor) looking for food in a garbage basket at Matheson Hammock Park. (Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n

A concerned neighbor called the Austin Fire Department to see if they could help the trash panda out. It wasn\u2019t reported if the raccoon was after food or if it was in the market for a den when it became stuck in the tree.<\/p>\n

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE FROM OUTKICK OUTDOORS<\/a><\/p>\n

What was reported<\/a> is that the firefighters answered the call, used a Jaws of Life-type tool, and freed the stuck animal from the hole in the tree.<\/p>\n

The raccoon\u2019s apparent limpness as it was lowered to the ground caused concern that its scavenging days were behind it. The firefighters addressed those concerns.<\/p>\n

“RACCOON RESCUE UPDATE: HE\u2019S OKAY! For everyone who has been concerned about the raccoon Austin firefighters recently rescued from a tree, we have good news!” the Austin Firefighter Association wrote<\/a>.<\/p>\n

“Although the video may make it look like the raccoon is unconscious or has passed away when crews free him and lower him to the ground using a tool called a catch pole, we\u2019re happy to report that he was alive and unharmed!”<\/p>\n

\"Young <\/p>\n

Young raccoon looks at the camera while climbing a spruce tree. (Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n

TAXIDERMIED RACCOONS ARE SEEING UNPRECEDENTED DEMAND THANKS TO NORWEGIAN SOCCER STAR ERLING HAALAND<\/a><\/p>\n

Perhaps the raccoon was simply embarrassed by the miscalculation of the size of its head in relation to the size of the hole. I’m sure it’s not the first nor will it be the last raccoon to do so.<\/p>\n

“After what we can only imagine was a long, stressful struggle with his head stuck in the tree, our little friend was understandably tired. But when firefighters handed him over to Animal Control, he was okay!,” the update continued.<\/p>\n

“Thank you to everyone who reached out and showed concern for this little guy. We\u2019re glad this rescue had a happy ending<\/a>!”<\/p>\n

\"A <\/p>\n

A raccoon peeks out of a hole in a tree. (Getty Images\/iStockphoto)<\/p>\n

OUTKICK IS NOW ON THE FOX APP: CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD<\/a><\/p>\n

What more can you ask for from a raccoon with its head stuck in a tree hollow story than a happy ending?<\/p>\n

Sean Joseph is a writer for OutKick.<\/p>\n