Death-defying squirrel jumps under car hood to avoid being run over

LLANBERRIS, Wales, Dec. 14 (UPI) -- A squirrel escaped near death in Wales by jumping into the engine compartment of a passing car that nearly ran it over.

RSPCA Cymru shared a photo of the lucky squirrel as it was lodged between the car's grill and radiator.

"This remarkable squirrel had been through an unbelievable ordeal, somehow getting through the grill of a moving car!" RSPCA inspector Mike Pugh said.

The squirrel narrowly escaped tragedy after nearly being run over by the same car it became trapped in while crossing the road in Llanberris.

Mechanics from a local garage cut an opening for the squirrel so it could escape, putting an end to the bizarre saga.

"It was a bit of a shock to be asked to rescue a squirrel trapped inside of a car!" General Manager of Moduron Maethlu Motors Aled Thomas said. "But when RSPCA Cymru got in touch, we explained that to help a distressed animal, we would provide a mechanic immediately and free-of-charge. It was our pleasure to help."

Pugh was amazed at the squirrel's resourcefulness and thanked Thomas and the mechanics at Moduron Maethlu Motors for their help.

"Thankfully, the animal found its way to freedom through a hole which the mechanic had made for it. This was an quite incredible rescue," he said. "Undoubtedly, the kindness of this Llangefni garage is further evidence as to how communities, working together, can do great things for animal welfare."