Spotted skunk, not seen in Lower Mainland since 1980’s, found caught in a leg trap

A spotted skunk was brought into the Wildlife Rescue Association in Burnaby last week.

It was a bitter sweet moment for the staff.

The spotted skunk has not been seen in the Lower Mainland since the 1980’s and was thought to have disappeared from the area.

When this skunk was brought in, it means the population could be returning, but this one was so badly injured he may lose his leg.

He was caught in a rat trap and couldn’t get rid of it.

The Wildlife Association says a woman found the skunk in her basement and called them.

“I’ve never seen a spotted skunk here before,” says Linda Bakker, team leader of Wildlife Rehabilitation.

“The research that we’ve done, they haven’t been seen in a long time.”

The problem with rat traps is that many animals, including household pets, can be injured or killed by the device.

“A much better alternative is to go to a humane pest control company, and there are lots of them in the Lower Mainland, and they can give advice, and they can give alternatives, and they can come to your home or to your business and sort the problem out,” says Yolanda Brooks, communications coordinator.

The Wildlife Rescue Association is holding their first open house in 15 years this coming Saturday, October 27. They will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and entry is by donation.

Parking will be marked out on Sperling Avenue and there will be free shuttle buses to the Rescue Association. For more information, check out their website.