Sometimes, the most surprising rescues unfold in the most unexpected places.
That was the case for Karenlynn Stracher, a veteran rescuer with Long Island Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in New York.
It all began when a group of workers in Levittown attempted to change a water meter. As they peered into the well, they noticed some unusual movement deep at the bottom.
Shocked and concerned, they believed an animal had somehow become trapped inside. Once their suspicions were confirmed, they quickly contacted Stracher for help.
A Mystery In The Well
At first glance, Stracher saw only darkness when she arrived and looked into the well.
Everything appeared still—until something moved.
Filming the encounter, Stracher zoomed in and managed to spot a small, fuzzy figure huddled at the bottom of the well.
Upon closer inspection, she realized it was a cottontail rabbit—clearly frightened and barely moving.
With the tiny creature remaining still to avoid drawing attention, Stracher understood the urgency of the situation. The rabbit could be injured or worse, and she needed to act fast. But she also had to proceed carefully—cottontail rabbits are extremely sensitive and easily traumatized.
A Delicate Rescue Plan
Stracher reached for her catch pole and gently lowered it into the narrow space, trying to hook the rabbit safely.
Despite several tries, the frightened animal evaded her efforts.
Realizing she needed another strategy, she picked up a net and coordinated a new approach—guiding the rabbit with the pole and aiming to scoop it into the net.
Just then, the rabbit froze. That stillness gave Stracher the window she needed. She slowly pulled him out of the well and into safety.
The moment the rabbit’s feet hit the grass, he bolted into a nearby field—free at last.
A Rescue To Remember
Everyone at the scene let out a sigh of relief.
This wasn’t a typical rescue situation. As Stracher explained, animals aren’t usually found in uncovered meter wells, making this one-of-a-kind.
Thankfully, despite his fall, the little rabbit made it out completely unscathed.
Stracher and her team will continue answering calls just like this one—showing up when it matters most and giving animals in trouble the help they need.