Stoat survives 32-mile trip stuck to car grille.

A stoat miraculously escaped unharmed after being driven for more than 30 miles to Sleaford wedged in the front grille of a car.

The tiny animal was found trapped in the BMW’s grille, with its face and front feet sticking out following an accidental hit-and-run.

And after its long drive, the stoat had to wait until the following morning before the driver noticed it and called the RSPCA.

It was seen in the road at High Dyke near the A1 junction at Colsterworth by aircraft technician Merv Draper as he returned home from a night shift at RAF Cottesmore at around 4am on Tuesday last week.

He thought he might have run the small mammal over, but couldn’t see it in the road behind him.

Thinking it must have managed to successfully evade the car, he continued his journey to Ewerby, near Sleaford, about 32 miles away.

However, the following morning, the animal was found trapped in the front of the car, fighting for survival.

Mr Draper, 55, said: “I couldn’t believe it. It looked like he had hit it side on and the clips on the grille had opened and trapped him.

"When I told the vet what had happened, he just looked at me like I was totally insane and advised me to ring the RSPCA – I must have looked ridiculous.”

RSPCA inspector Laura Jones went to Mr Draper’s home later that day and managed to assist him in prising the grille open and releasing the stoat to end its seven-hour ordeal.

Inspector Jones caught the frightened animal and took it to a vet, where it received pain relief and antibiotics.

Miraculously, despite the ordeal, the stoat was unhurt.

Inspector Jones said this was one of the most unusual rescues she had been involved with.

She said: “It’s amazing that the stoat managed to escape injury, despite being stuck in the grille for more than 30 miles and several hours.”

Following treatment, the young stoat was taken to WeirfieldHospital in Lincoln to begin rehabilitation and was fit enough to be released back into the wild a few days later.

Sarah Corden, a wildlife supervisor at the hospital, said: “It’s a miracle it didn’t sustain any injuries.

“There are no scratches or markings to say that it had been hurt.

“After what happened, it’s surprising it wasn’t in a worse physical condition. I think it just needed some tender love and care.”

Wild antics are enough to make Bill Oddie blush.

'WARNING – the following bird hide may contain scenes of a sexual nature inappropriate for young viewers.’

This is the kind of warning that may soon be issued by the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust to the county’s birdwatchers.

After a report of suspected ‘hanky-panky’ being heard from a bird hide, the trust is reminding everyone that hides should be used for watching wildlife.

Rachel Shaw, the public relations officer for the trust, explained that there have been many instances of inappropriate behaviour taking place on Lincolnshire’s nature reserves, not just limited to sexual shenanigans.

“There’s certain things that go on at nature reserves that shouldn’t,” she said.

“One report came from a visitor who had overheard certain noises coming from the bird hides in South Lincolnshire.

“On top of that, we’ve had people cycling, horse riding, and even setting the grass on fire.

“It needs to be remembered that when people visit nature reserves, there are regulations in place to protect the habitat and environment.

“Nature reserves are for quiet enjoyment only. Anything else could possibly disturb or cause harm to the animals that live there.”

Ms Shaw also said Lincolnshire was fortunate to have dedicated wildlife crime officers to prevent things such as indecent behaviour taking place in wildlife reserves.

Erica Howe, spokesman for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, said it was unfortunate that Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust had had to take such a measure out of concern for the general public.

“Wildlife-watching hides are designed for people to enjoy wildlife in, and we would hope that people will respect this,” she said.

“Because of the nature of these hides, they are often simple, basic structures. It could be unsafe for them to be used for any activities other than which they are
intended.”

Lincoln Police issued a statement saying that they were not aware of an increase reports regarding public sex acts, but if they did receive a complaint, then it would be dealt with as appropriate in
relation to the circumstances and the
offence.

PC Nick Willey, the West Division wildlife crime officer, explained that wildlife hides were often used as places for anti-social activity up and down the country.

“Up and down the country, hides are used for all sorts of things like drinking dens, and places for teens to hang out,” explained PC Willey.

“The best thing to do is report this kind of behaviour to the police, the wildlife trust or any warden monitoring the wildlife hide.

“That way if these instances become regular occurrences, local officers can pay more attention.”