A small hedgehog required a major rescue operation after becoming stuck in an underground drain in England, prompting firefighters to break through concrete to reach it.

The Ellesmere Fire Station responded to what was initially reported as a "small animal rescue" call, which turned out to be a hedgehog wedged deep in a drain. The operation quickly escalated as crews realized they would need to do some serious digging to reach the animal.

Using small tools, firefighters chipped away at the concrete surrounding the drain, exposing it enough to free what they affectionately called the "wee hedgehog" from its tight spot.

Volunteers from Cuan Wildlife Rescue were also called to the scene to assist with the rescue. Once freed, the hedgehog was handed over to the wildlife organization for further care and monitoring.

Hedgehogs are a protected species in the UK and are considered vulnerable due to declining populations. Wildlife rescue organizations like Cuan play a vital role in rehabilitating injured or distressed animals before returning them to the wild.