What started as an ordinary day for a Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) road crew quickly turned into something extraordinary.
While clearing debris from a fallen tree along the roadside, the workers noticed a flicker of movement beneath the branches. Peering closer, they saw four tiny black kittens, their soft fur caught and tangled in a dense briar patch.
The babies were frightened and helpless — and their mother was nowhere to be found.
Knowing that kittens this young should ideally stay with their mom for at least eight weeks (and closer to twelve) so they can nurse and learn vital life skills, the workers realized how urgent the situation was. Without their mother, the kittens would need human help to survive.
Carefully, the team began cutting through the sharp branches, taking their time to make sure not a single kitten was hurt.
Once the little ones were free, they gently gathered them up and called local animal control for assistance.
“We were glad to help,” said Charles St. Martin, RIDOT’s chief of public affairs.
The four kittens were taken to the North Kingstown Animal Shelter, where they’re now safe, warm, and receiving all the care they need until they’re old enough to find forever homes.
“[They] are doing well,” St. Martin shared. “They’re a little young to be adopted, but are in good care now.”
Thanks to a few observant workers and their quick compassion, four tiny lives were saved that day — proving that heroes don’t always wear capes; sometimes, they wear reflective vests.
