Spring and early summer bring a wave of new baby critters into the world, and as kittens, ducklings, fawns and other young animals explore their surroundings, they often find themselves in tricky situations. That's why it's smart to keep an eye out for wildlife and pets in distress, and to be ready to call for assistance when an animal needs a helping hand.

Such was the case this week in Missouri, where a small kitten was rescued Tuesday morning after becoming trapped in a storm drain in Lebanon.

Lebanon City Hall received a call from a concerned citizen around 10 a.m. about the stuck kitten.

First responders with the Lebanon Fire Department and Animal Control rushed to the scene, where they met Piper Barnett and her two daughters.

Barnett told firefighters if they could get the cat out, they would happily take it in, according to a press release.

Officials removed the metal grate and jumped in to safely rescue the kitten.

"Great work by all involved, and the kitten found a wonderful new home," the Fire Department wrote in the release.

What to do if you spot an animal in trouble

If you come across a baby animal or pet that appears trapped or injured, resist the urge to handle the situation yourself, as doing so can put both you and the animal at risk. Instead, contact your local animal control or fire department, who have the training and equipment to perform a safe rescue. When in doubt, it's always best to call the professionals.