‘Bubbles’ the skunk caught in drink lid undergoes surgery

 VANCOUVER – A West End skunk facing possible death because of a discarded beverage lid around its neck was trapped and underwent surgery Tuesday morning.

Nicknamed ‘Bubbles’ because the lid around its neck was the plastic-dome type used in bubble tea, the skunk was caught in a trap Monday night in the crowded Vancouver neighbourhood it called home by volunteers from the Vancouver Orphaned Kitten Rescue Association.

It was then transported to the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C. facility in Burnaby for care.

The skunk’s plight was first noticed in August but the situation became more dire as the creature grew and the lid became ever tighter. It evaded capture attempts that were sparked by West End resident Drina Read, who put up posters of the collared creature.

Read said Tuesday the surgery was required to remove debris that had collected around where the lid had become lodged and developed scabbing.

She also said Bubbles is female, not male as had been earlier presumed.

After a recovery time of about two months, the skunk – which apparently was seen with a companion before its capture – will be re-introduced to its natural habitat in the West End.