This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Squirrel Rescued, Rehabilitated After Plunge Into La Brea Tar Pits
A squirrel narrowly avoided the fate of so many mastodons and saber-toothed cats eons before, when it was rescued from the La Brea Tar Pits.
A worker from the Los Angeles County Museum of Art saved the creature from the tar pits a few weeks ago and called the California Wildlife Center near Calabasas to rehabilitate the creature, The Acorn reports.
The rescue operation involved lots of soapy water and patient interns scrubbing the squirrel's face with toothbrushes:
After untold buckets of water and nearly one hour later, the tar was cleaned off. The squirrel is now eating on its own and quite angry — signs that it is ready for release.