Filed under: Follies
Snuff out your search torches, for Bubbles has been captured!
Part of me wanted to leave this update with the above cryptic message. But that’s more of a twitter thing…
I am pleased to report that the skunk I saved from McFlurry cup blindness (though failed to remove the domed lid), has been successfully rescued by diligent Vancouver citizens and transported to the Wildlife Rescue Association of BC.
In August, I happened across a helpless baby skunk wandering around the West End, crashing into the street curb repeatedly, thanks to the McDonald’s McFlurry cup stuck on her head. Feeling adventurous (and still reveling from my birthday celebrations), I managed to coax Bubbles close enough to yank the cup off. Suddenly able to see again, she darted off into the night, with the domed lid still attached to her neck.
A couple of weeks ago, I learned that residents in the West End had been trying to save the ever-maturing skunk from slowly choking to death. Sadly, Bubbles (the nickname given to the skunk due to the dome-shaped lid affixed) was never able to remove herself from the plastic collar.
Taking matters into their own hands, a few citizens stepped up and were able to trap the skunk, so she could receive medical attention and be released back into the “wild.”
I learned of the happy news quickly, as friends called, emailed and linked me to the report. The most appreciated message, however, came from one of the actual volunteers trying to save Bubbles. Lynne Darby informed me that “the lid had caused severe injury to the skunk’s neck, which required 9 sutures to repair… “she” is living in Burnaby now, at the Wildlife Rescue Centre until the wound heals.”
To Lynne, and the rest of the goodhearted members of the West End community, I congratulate you on a job well done, as well as appreciate your efforts in preventing this animal’s untimely death.
I’m sure that their are many who will argue, “Who cares? It’s a smelly skunk in a densely populated area?” The issue goes far further than just personal feelings towards skunks, it’s a commentary on the lack of respect shown by humans towards our home. Careless littering instigated this, not to mention the non-biodegradable materials in the lid. If this were a stray dog, you can bet that a major effort would have been made to remove a choking hazard, potentially from a municipal government department. But Lynne and her colleagues trapped and delivered the animal themselves. That’s dedication to your neighbourhood!
Many humans inhabiting our planet need to seriously perform a priority check. At least start with respectful garbage disposing.
Follow me on Twitter: @bowserings
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