2006 Rescue & Release

"Flower"

This tiny orphaned striped Skunk named Flower takes a special bottle from it's special foster mother (Ronelle May) who volunteers for MS Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. Skunks are nocturnal and omnivorous and help keep MS's rodent population in check but their enemies are our automobiles which kill skunks, possies and raccoons in large numbers. Skunks rarely attack unless cornered or defending their young when it will usually fluff its fur, shake its tail, stamp the ground with its front feet, growl, stand on its hind legs, turn its head and spit to scare away the potential attacker. When all else fails, it will lift up its tail and spray. Having adapted well to neighborhoods there have been reports of skunks entering homes through pet doors, dining with the family cat and finding a quiet closet or empty bed to spend the night. If your pet is sprayed, quickly wash it with tomato juice, to counteract the chemical makeup of the skunk spray. With their slow, waddling gait and bushy tail, these gentle mammals are delightful to see from a distance, and play an important role in keeping nature in balance -- the natural way. Please relocate them if found under your home! The Volunteers of MWR try to save the lives of rescued orphaned wildlife whose parents have been shot, trapped or run over.