| B.E.S. along with other fire and rescue agencies extricated a wolf trapped in a steel pipe. Photo: Larkin Carey |
The several hour ordeal saw the wolf emerge in fine condition with only some minor cuts and scrapes.
Boulder Emergency Squad, B.E.S, along with other agencies, rescued a wolf which had gotten its head stuck in a steel pipe. With medical care provided by a veterinarian, the pipe was carefully cut from around the animal's head. The several hour ordeal left the wolf "...in fine condition with only some minor cuts & scrapes," according to Veterinarian Dr. Christopher Blum, VMD of Table Mountain Veterinary Clinic in Golden, Colorado.
While playing, the wolf-hybrid had gotten her head stuck in a 6 inch diameter, half-inch thick, eight foot long steel pipe and had evidently been unseen for a few hours. Coal Creek Fire cut the pipe to about one foot long, which made the wolf and pipe portable. But, the head was still stuck and the animal was obviously stressed. The problem was metal welded inside the pipe was trapping the wolf's head.
"From the moment the wolf was brought to the clinic until it was freed, all of us melded together into a cohesive team, that made the difference," said Blum. The animal control officer agrees. "Without the assistance of Deputy Bryarly, Officer Spensieri, Coal Creek Fire Department, Boulder Emergency Squad and Table Mountain Veterinary Clinic, this wolf would have died, no question," said Brandy J. Perkins, Animal Control Officer at Boulder County.
B.E.S. provided rescue tools and equipment and support that was needed to rescue the wolf |
The scene was on the side of a steep hill on property where a local homeowner raises wolf-hybrids. With the need for sedation, dark approaching and far from an ideal location, the wolf was transported 20 miles to a clinic, its head still stuck in the very heavy chunk of pipe.
After a quick check by the doctor, it was apparent that the wolf was dehydrated and stressed. IVs were started and vital signs monitored as the team set up outside in the parking lot with the BES emergency lighting. The 'patient' was monitored as the rescuers used a side grinder to slowly cut away enough of the metal to get the head out. "The 'operation' was a success," said Chief Andrew Moschetti after the wolf was cleared from the metal pipe.
"I am so thankful to everyone who assisted in this rescue. It is so nice to know that BES is always there when we ask for them. They [B.E.S.] provide the equipment and support we need without ever questioning it's for an "animal." These [rescuers] are great and deserve to be recognized for all the good they do!" said Perkins.