Skunk photo by Rhiannon Carpenter / Getty Images
Black plastic rat traps, drink lids, and dirty jars have caused significant injuries and suffering to over 100 skunks in British Columbia’s Lower Mainland this year, reports Critter Care Wildlife Society.
The licensed wildlife rehabilitator based in Langley Township, British Columbia, has taken in 112 injured skunks this year, and shared some of the disturbing stories behind their patients with The Fur-Bearers. These include at least 11 skunks who were admitted with injuries caused by black plastic rat traps – the type available commercially at many hardware and home stores. These crushing devices, when placed outdoors, will catch and injure any animal that triggers them – regardless of the intent of the person who set them.
Photo submitted by Critter Care Wildlife Society
One skunk was admitted with two plastic rat traps clenching one front and one rear paw. It isn’t known for how long the skunk dragged these traps, but their front paw was attached by a single ligament or tendon and was covered in maggots. This skunk was humanely euthanized by Critter Care Wildlife Society due to the extent of the injuries sustained.
Devastating, cruel injuries like these will continue while these traps are sold without appropriate warning or legislation requiring they not be allowed outside.
Lids, jars continue to cause harm
Sadly, mayonnaise containers and plastic lids aren’t new injuries for skunks and other wildlife across Canada. Dome-style lids, popular for iced drinks at fast-food restaurants and coffee shops, have left many skunks with deep wounds. As they have triangular shaped heads, skunks are able to put their head into a space in search of food (like the sweet, sticky scent of leftover iced drinks) only to become trapped. The solution to preventing this is simple: avoid buying plastic dome lids, and if you do, make sure to cut them so they cannot wrap around an animal’s head, and put them in an appropriate recycling or waste receptacle.
Photo provided by Critter Care Wildlife Society
Preventing injuries to wildlife from recyclable materials like jars can be even easier – simply washing out containers before disposing of them reduces the interest animals may have in them. Like plastic dome lids, it’s important to ensure they’re appropriately put in recycling or waste receptacles to reduce access and litter.
Another common issue for skunks is drainage holes in dumpsters – due to the shape of their head, they are able to get in, but not out. It is required in some jurisdictions for these holes to be screened to prevent such injuries (click here to learn more).
The Fur-Bearers encourages people concerned or upset by these situations to share this article with friends, family, and community groups. While we continue to advocate for legislative solutions and policies that will prevent such cruelty to wildlife, the education of the public must be a priority.
If you’d like to learn more about Critter Care Wildlife Society please click here to visit their website.
