A mischievous and greedy raccoon found itself in an unlucky situation this St. Patrick’s Day.
The local fire department in Shelburne, Vermont, responded Tuesday to a call it described as “the least traditional St. Patrick’s Day incident so far.” The small town is located near Lake Champlain, about 40 miles northwest of Montpelier.
The local water department had alerted crews to a raccoon that appeared to have a peanut butter container stuck on its head, the fire department said in a Facebook post. To make matters worse, crews found the raccoon in a tree 25 feet off the ground.
“It appeared to have had a little too much luck finding the peanut butter, but not quite enough luck removing the container afterward,” the department said.
Photos from the scene show the creature clinging to a tree branch with its entire head stuck in a clear container.
The fire department said crews used a ladder to reach the raccoon and removed the jar using a snare tool, “restoring the raccoon’s vision and, to some extent, its dignity.”
“The raccoon remained in the tree briefly, presumably reconsidering its life choices or searching for a four-leaf clover in the field below,” the department said. “No injuries were reported, aside from a notable hit to the raccoon’s pride.”
Residents should properly dispose of their food containers and secure their trash, the department warned.
“While not every call involves fire or emergency medical care, this incident highlights the department’s ability to handle a wide range of situations: including those requiring ladders, patience, and a little bit of peanut butter,” the department added.
The announcement was a hit on social media, where users were quick to share their own reactions.
“Best news I read all day,” one Facebook user commented. “I love peanut butter too you rascally raccoon!!”
Another user joked: “He must have found the Irish cream bottle, first!”
