Skunks occur naturally only in the Americas, but they’ve
been a popular exotic pet in England for many years. In 2006, the UK banned surgery
to remove skunks’ scent glands, as it was deemed inhumane to deprive any animal
of its only form of self-defense. When that happened, breeders unable to sell
their skunk pups simply abandoned them in the woods. But there are still some
people willing to share their homes with fully equipped skunks. Michelle Cooper’s
pet skunk, Barney, went on walk-about in July, shortly after they’d moved to a
new home in Devon. Sixteen days later, Barney turned up thirteen miles away, in
an outhouse in Somerset. The property owner called Secret World Wildlife Rescue
to report a “badger.” When S.W.W.R. showed up, they reunited Barney and
Michelle. I find myself wondering two things: How can anyone mistake a skunk
for a badger? And which smells worse, an outhouse or a skunk?
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