Many people think contractors just manage construction sites, but they do a lot more than that. They’re responsible for gathering materials and keeping an eye out for unexpected visitors like wildlife. Sometimes, these extra duties lead to unusual and urgent situations.
An Unexpected Visitor at the Worksite
On a typical morning in Missouri, a contractor arrived at his worksite only to discover he wasn’t the first one there. A family of squirrels had made themselves at home, darting around the site. The contractor had to pause his plans and guide these little creatures to safety to ensure they weren’t harmed as the workday began.
After the squirrels were safely relocated, the contractor started his work with a can of nitrogen. He was about to seal a gap with resin-based foam, a substance that hardens similar to concrete when it dries. In the midst of this, he failed to notice a lone squirrel still on the site. This little squirrel, in a panic to escape, jumped right into the freshly sprayed foam.
The Plight of the Foam-Covered Squirrel
Covered in sticky, fast-hardening foam, the squirrel was in a dire situation. It became unrecognizable, trapped in the substance that was quickly setting into a solid mass. The contractor, realizing the accident, acted swiftly. He removed the squirrel and rushed it to the Missouri Wildlife Rescue Center (MWRC), hoping that the experts there could save the poor animal.
The MWRC shared on their Facebook page that the contractor did his best to remove as much foam as possible before bringing the squirrel in, a move that likely saved its life.
Critical Care at the Clinic
Upon arrival at the MWRC, the rescue team had to act fast. The squirrel required immediate and delicate care to remove the foam that threatened its life. The staff at the center used cotton swabs and vegetable oil to carefully dissolve and remove the foam. They had to work slowly and methodically, treating the squirrel in small sections to avoid overwhelming it.
Pain medication and sedatives were also administered to ease the squirrel’s distress and pain during the procedure. This careful and thoughtful approach was crucial in keeping the squirrel as comfortable as possible during such a stressful time.
The Rescue Mission
The team’s first priority was to clear the squirrel’s airways. They gently swabbed its mouth and nostrils, ensuring it could breathe without obstruction. Next, they focused on the eyes and other areas covered by the foam, methodically cleaning each section.
After a long day of meticulous work, the team provided the squirrel with fluids and a warm place to rest for the night. By the next morning, the squirrel was completely free of foam and noticeably cleaner, although it still had areas of raw, red skin from the foam’s irritation.
Recovery and Hope
The little squirrel showed incredible resilience. The MWRC staff continued to monitor its condition closely, providing the necessary care as it recovered more each day. The squirrel’s spirit seemed unbroken, and it responded well to the treatment, growing stronger and more active.
The center is proud of the work they’ve done and remains optimistic about the squirrel’s full recovery. They look forward to the day they can release it back into the wild, where it belongs.
The Broader Role of Contractors and Wildlife Rescuers
This incident highlights the unexpected roles that contractors often find themselves in, such as wildlife rescuers. It also underscores the critical work done by organizations like the MWRC, which step in to handle situations that most of us are ill-equipped to manage.
Through quick thinking and compassionate action, both the contractor and the wildlife rescue team played pivotal roles in saving the life of one small squirrel. Their efforts remind us of the importance of being aware of our environment and the creatures with whom we share it, even in places as busy and human-oriented as construction sites.
