The RSPCA rescued seven ducklings who had become trapped in a sewage tank with no mum in sight.
The charity was called to step in after the tiny ducklings were spotted at the Thornton-Le-Dale sewage treatment plant in Thornton Lane, Pickering.
The baby ducks appeared in good health but were quite stressed as they were trapped in the seven foot tank and couldn’t get out.
Animal rescue officer Caitlin Houston attended and found that the ducklings had been split up into two separate tanks.
She donned her lifejacket and gloves and used a reach and rescue pole and a net to carefully rescue each of the seven ducklings.
Caitlin said: “Thankfully, the ducklings were in good health but just completely trapped. I managed to rescue them from the fowl-smelling tank and although not very pleasant for me or the ducklings, I’m so glad that I was able to help them.
“Once contained, we looked everywhere to try and find their mum. We walked around the nearby field and stream but had no luck at all, sadly, so I transferred them to a local wildlife rescue who will care for them until they are old enough to be released back into the wild.”
An RSPCA spokeperson said its specially trained officers respond to challenging rescues like this to ensure both animal and public safety, using expert skills, training, and equipment.
But they said there are many situations where members of the public can safely help animals themselves.
You can find more guidance on what to do if you see a wild animal in need here