'Dead' hamster found alive in Aylesbury wheelie bin Published duration 8 February 2018

image copyright AVDC image caption The hamster's owners thought the pet had died when it was hibernating

A hibernating hamster which was presumed dead by its owners has been found "alive and well" in a wheelie bin.

Aylesbury Vale District Council's waste collection team opened the lid of a refuse bin to find the small black and white creature on 31 January.

The team brought the animal, which they named Dusty, back to their base and made a temporary home for him.

A pet shop helped care for the hamster until it was reunited with its owners.

image copyright AVDC image caption The council's waste collection team made a temporary home for the hamster at their base

The owners were said to be "surprised" by the find as they put the hamster in the bin thinking it was dead.

It is thought the hamster was in fact hibernating.

A spokeswoman for the council said: "The hamster has now been reunited with his owners who are delighted with his return."

media caption A mother has warned hamster owners about burying their hibernating pets alive.

Related Topics Animals

Aylesbury