A raccoon was saved after getting its head stuck in a discarded tin can in Costa Rica, rescuers said.

Firefighters brought the animal to International Animal Rescue’s centre in Nosara. The team applied lubricant around the can’s opening and slowly removed it, then gave the male fluids because nobody knew how long he had been unable to eat or drink normally.

Gavin Bruce, CEO of International Animal Rescue, said the raccoon was otherwise in good condition and was released later the same day. “A happy ending and a powerful reminder of the danger litter poses to wildlife too,” he said.

The rescue was reported through SWNS and carried by outlets including the Wyoming News. The male raccoon showed no lasting injury from the ordeal.

The case is a small but sharp warning. A single carelessly discarded can nearly killed a wild animal that firefighters and rescuers happened to find in time.