A raccoon had a rocky time - when it got stuck upside down in a sewer grating.

The hapless critter was discovered trapped on a snowy day in Guelph, Ontario.

The small mammal had tried to slip into the drain through a small opening, but ended up clinging awkwardly onto the grate.

Thankfully, animal charity Guelph Humane Society (GHS) responded to assess the situation. They were able to call in the fire department, who managed to lift the frozen cover.

A GHS spokesperson said: "Officer Asha arrived at the scene to find that this poor girl was stuck head down. After a few different attempts, Officer Asha called GHS for assistance and Officer Brooke arrived with warm water and lubricant to help remove her.

"After efforts failed it was clear the only way to free her was by removing the grate so the officers decided to sedate the raccoon to reduce stress and call in more reinforcements.

Our friends at the Guelph Fire Department responded very quickly to the plea. They were able to chip away at the ice and after only a few minutes, the grate was lifted and Officers Asha and Brooke were able to carefully contain the raccoon and transport her back to the Guelph Humane Society.

"At the shelter, Officer Brooke began to examine for injuries and melt ice off of the raccoon that was stuck tightly to her fur.

"Once complete, Officer Brooke began to slowly introduce a heating source carefully in order to avoid sending the raccoon into a state of shock from the change in temperature.

"Our Officers then placed her gently in a kennel with warm towels, food and water."

"The next day, Officer Asha transported the raccoon back to the area she was found and safely released her back in to her natural environment."