“He was struggling for some time” 😰
Kim Titterington is no stranger to emergencies — as a full-time wildlife rescuer in Florida, she usually spends her days helping reptiles in distress. But last month, the founder of Swamp Girl Adventures Reptile Rehabilitation (SGARR) received a call that took her far outside her usual routine.
A local woman had discovered a possum trapped upside down between two closely spaced trees and was desperate for help. She’d first spotted him the day before during a walk but hadn’t been able to figure out how to free him. When she returned 24 hours later, the possum was still wedged in the same position — and clearly fading.
“There was fur all over the ground from how long he’d been struggling,” Titterington told The Dodo.
Titterington rushed to the location and found the possum exactly as described. This time, however, he barely moved.
“It was hot, and the sun was beating directly down on him,” she said. “I was really afraid we were running out of time.”
It appeared the possum had slipped while trying to climb one of the trees, becoming tightly lodged in the narrow gap. Whatever had happened, one thing was certain: he’d been trapped far too long.
Working carefully to avoid causing further injury, Titterington steadied the possum by supporting his head and hindquarters. Inch by inch, she gently lifted him upward until the space widened enough to free him.
The moment was exhausting for both of them. Once released, the possum — later named Gilbert — was clearly in shock.
“He was extremely lethargic and disoriented after being upside down for more than a full day,” Titterington said.
She immediately transported Gilbert to SGARR, where he was treated for severe dehydration and given medication to ease his discomfort. For the first few days, he barely moved. Then, gradually, his strength returned.
“By day three, he started eating more and moving around,” she said.
Though he initially had a limp caused by reduced circulation in his shoulder, Gilbert improved steadily under care. By his third week at the rehabilitation center, he was climbing confidently and moving without pain — a clear sign he was ready to return to the wild.
“When I saw him climbing on top of his den and moving normally, I knew it was time,” Titterington said.
She released Gilbert near the area where he’d been found. The moment the crate opened, there was no hesitation.
“As soon as his feet hit the ground, he took off,” she said. “He didn’t even look back.”
Gilbert disappeared into the greenery, leaving behind a rescuer filled with relief and pride. While Titterington primarily works with reptiles, rescues like this one hold a special place in her heart.
“It was incredibly rewarding,” she said.