Pollock Pines, United States - September 18, 2024

In an unusual wildlife rescue operation, firefighters from the El Dorado County Fire Protection District assisted in the extraction of a marmot from underneath the hood of a car, where it had inadvertently become lodged. The incident, which unfolded at a fire station in Pollock Pines, captured the attention of both locals and wildlife enthusiasts for its rarity.

According to a social media update from the fire district, the vehicle's owner had driven to the station seeking assistance after discovering the animal during a routine check following a trip to Yosemite National Park. The marmot, likely seeking warmth or shelter, found its way into the engine compartment, a not-so-ideal sanctuary for the journey back from the park.

Firefighters quickly responded, carefully dismantling parts of the vehicle to reach the marmot without causing it harm. The complexity of the operation required delicate handling to ensure both the safety of the animal and the integrity of the vehicle's components.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife was also called to the scene. Their expertise was crucial in safely extracting the marmot, which appeared healthy despite its ordeal. The wildlife officials then took steps to relocate the marmot back to an environment more suitable to its natural habitat.