Rescue missions often begin in the most unexpected places. That was certainly true for Karenlynn Stracher, an experienced rescuer with Long Island Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation in New York.
Her day took a surprising turn when a group of workers in Levittown attempted to change a water meter. As they looked down into the well, they noticed something moving deep below the surface.
Concerned and unsure of what they were seeing, they suspected an animal had somehow become trapped. Once they realized their instincts were correct, they immediately contacted Stracher for help.
A Shadow In The Depths Reveals A Tiny Survivor
When Stracher arrived and peered into the well, she was met with darkness. At first, nothing stirred.
Then, something shifted.
She began filming the scene and zoomed in, eventually spotting a small, fuzzy figure curled up at the bottom.
As she focused more closely, she identified the creature: a cottontail rabbit, clearly frightened and barely moving.
The rabbit’s stillness was a survival instinct, meant to avoid detection. But it also signaled urgency. The animal could be injured or worse, and Stracher knew she had to act quickly. At the same time, she had to be cautious. Cottontail rabbits are extremely sensitive and can be easily traumatized.
A Careful Strategy To Bring The Rabbit To Safety
Stracher reached for her catch pole and carefully lowered it into the narrow opening, hoping to gently hook the rabbit.
Despite several attempts, the scared little animal managed to avoid capture.
Realizing she needed a different approach, Stracher picked up a net and devised a new plan. She used the pole to guide the rabbit toward the net, aiming to scoop him up without causing distress.
Suddenly, the rabbit froze. That moment of stillness gave Stracher the chance she needed. She slowly lifted him out of the well and into the open air.
As soon as his feet touched the grass, the rabbit bolted toward a nearby field, free and unharmed.
A Moment That Left Everyone Breathing Easier
Everyone present exhaled in relief.
This wasn’t a typical rescue. As Stracher explained, it’s rare to find animals trapped in uncovered meter wells, making this situation especially unique.
Fortunately, the rabbit emerged without injury, ready to return to his natural habitat.
Stracher and her team remain committed to responding to calls like this one, arriving when it matters most and offering help to animals in need.