Firefighters Remove Large Tortoise and Dog From a Tunnel

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FONTANA, Calif. – San Bernardino County firefighters in Fontana responded to the 8000 block of Regal Court on Wednesday for the report of a dog and a man falling into a hole in a residential yard. While en route they learned that the man got out of the hole and was not injured as a result of the fall. The dog remained trapped inside the hole.

When firefighters responded they located the tunnel that was dug by a tortoise, who they learned that remained in the hole with the dog. This tunnel went under the block wall to the neighbor’s yard, under the concrete patio, and another walkway. The 70-pound tortoise and the German Shepherd dog were located around 6 feet from the entrance. With the dog, there was a blanket that was believed to be taken into the hole by the dog. The dog, blanket, and tortoise became entangled causing them to get stuck in place.

The responding firefighters used tools to remove the dirt from around the animals. They also used lettuce to encourage the tortoise to move. After around 10 minutes, they were able to release the animals and remove them from the tunnel. Neither of the animals that belonged to the property owners where the hold started, were injured. Five San Bernardino County personnel responded to the scene of the incident.