Abstract: A method of removing a pipeline pig from a pig trap barrel where the pig trap barrel has a danger region defined by a cone centered on an open end of the pig trap barrel, comprising operating a pig retrieval tool with a portion of the pig retrieval tool inside the pig trap barrel to retrieve the pig from the pig trap barrel while at least a handle part of the pig retrieval tool is outside the danger region. A pig retrieval tool. A combination of a pipeline pig, a pig trap barrel retaining the pipeline pig, and a pig retrieval tool having a shaft with a hook, a bridge laterally extended from the shaft, and a handle part connected to the shaft through the bridge.