A squirrel that was found on a footpath "burnt from head to toe" could have been hit by lightning, the RSPCA has said.
The animal was found on a public footpath underneath a dog waste bin near Van Road in Caerphilly on February 11.
Shocking photos of the squirrel show that its entire body was completely burnt while the majority of its fur was left singed.
A veterinary exam wasn't able to establish the cause of its burns but an electric shock or lightning strike have been suggested as possibilities.
The RSPCA has also said it isn't ruling out foul play.
The charity is now appealing for witnesses to come forward as it tries to establish what happened.
RSPCA inspector Gemma Black said: “This was a highly unusual find near Van Road in Caerphilly with this poor squirrel burned from head to toe.
“It is unclear whether this was some sort of freak accident, or something more sinister.
“The animal's fur is burnt off, but the skin itself remains largely unaffected. We're unclear whether any foul play from a human is to blame - or whether something like a lightning strike or electric shock may have caught this poor squirrel.
“Anyone with any information is urged to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”
