Firefighters in Bensheim, Germany responded to an unusual call after residents spotted a fat rat stuck in a sewer grate. The chubby rodent had attempted to squeeze through a small opening but became tightly wedged, unable to move.
A local animal rescue group called for assistance, and a full fire crew arrived to help. Working together, they lifted the heavy grate and safely freed the distressed rat, who was unharmed and quickly disappeared back into the sewer.
Firefighters described it as one of their “most unexpected rescues of the year,” and the story has since gone viral worldwide for its wholesome and humorous twist.
Even the roundest little creatures deserve a rescue.
Sources:
• BBC News
• The Guardian
• Associated Press (AP)

That’s a classic! This actually happened back in February 2019 in Bensheim, Hesse, Germany, and the photos went viral worldwide.
The overweight rat (affectionately dubbed the “fat rat” or “Dicker Ratte”) had tried to squeeze through a manhole cover but got completely stuck, with only its head and front paws poking out. Local residents called the fire department because the poor thing was clearly distressed and couldn’t free itself.
A team from the Bensheim fire brigade and an animal rescue organization came to the scene. They carefully lifted the manhole cover and gently extracted the very plump rat. After a quick check-up by a vet, the rodent (perfectly healthy, just… generously proportioned) was released back into the sewer system.
The fire department even posted about it on social media with good humor, saying something along the lines of: “Even animals that are a little too well-fed need help sometimes.”
It became one of those wholesome, funny animal rescue stories that the internet loved. The rat lived to eat another day! 🐀🚒