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 Bubbles the skunk's life is in danger because he has a plastic cup lid noosed around his neck. (PHOTO SUBMITTED) |
Animal sleuths are trying to track down a West End skunk with a plastic bubble disposable cup lid noosed around his neck that’s slowly choking him to death.
Dubbed “Bubbles,” the young wild animal has often been spotted trying to tear off the tattered plastic lid that’s been strangling him since he was first spotted in August as a baby in trouble.
“For sure his neck is getting bigger along with his body,” said volunteer rescuer Drina Read.
The wily skunk took rescuers on a merry chase Monday night, when they tracked him to Barclay Heritage Square at Nicola and Barclay and surrounded him in a patch of dense bushes.
Despite a two-hour standoff, Bubbles managed to scurry away through the park’s undergrowth.
Bubbles’ plight is not uncommon, according to the Wildlife Rescue Association of B.C.
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Plastic domed lids, used with slurpee or iced coffee cups, often have a 5 cm hole for stirring. Looking to lap up the remaining drops in discarded cups, animals stick their heads into the lid hole. When they try to retreat, the lids pop off the cup but remain around their necks.
Anyone spotting Bubbles can call 604-331-1532, 604-802-2254 or 604-916-4344.