Story By: Michael Leidig, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: Central European News 

This marten had a lucky escape when fireman turned out to cut it free after it got its head stuck in a bucket.

The metal bucket was being used to catch rainwater at a house in Ratingen which is in the German state of North Rhine Westphalia where they had been apparently looking for a snack.

But when he heard someone coming, it tried to make a quick escape by squeezing through one of the holes. When it found its body did not follow its head, it then discovered it said could not be pulled out, and was trapped.

The house owner then called Fireman to free the small animal, which was wrapped in a towel and then cut free using a small sore and an angle grinder.

The rescued animal was then taken to a local vet to be checked before being released after it was given the all clear.

Martens that are found in Europe, Canada and the USA are often confused with weasels, and although their natural habitat is forests, many have taken up residence in towns and cities where they often cause problems by hiding in warm car engines and eating the plastic covering of cables.

In Germany and Austria, it is impossible to buy marten insurance for car owners to protect against damage because the problem is so severe.

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