On a crisp Monday morning in Harford County, Maryland, animal control officers responded to a call that would reveal a distressed opossum tangled in a discarded soccer net.
The creature, dehydrated and baking under the midday sun, had apparently spent the night ensnared, its limbs caught in the mesh as the heat intensified.
A Growing Concern for Wildlife
Officials with the Harford County Sheriff's Office noted that such entanglements have become increasingly common as warmer weather draws residents outdoors and recreational equipment remains set up for longer periods.
After carefully freeing the animal, rescuers transported it to the Phoenix Wildlife Center, where veterinarians expect a full recovery if dehydration is managed promptly.
The incident underscores a broader warning: wildlife experts urge the public to dismantle or store sports nets and similar gear when not in active use, reducing the risk of accidental traps for curious animals.