Albino skunk causes a whiff for rescuers

They are usually native to north America but this whiffy albino skunk was found wandering near Bridgnorth.

And he had a nasty surprise in store for his rescuers – a squirt of foul-smelling spray. But since he was found in a Pattingham road the adult skunk has behaved far more sweetly and the hunt is now on to find its rightful owners. He is currently residing at Taylor and Marshall vets in Shifnal High Street.

The skunk was taken there by members of the public.

Julianne Berry, from the practice which handles exotic animals, said: "He's definitely a pet, he's very, very friendly and easy to handle."

She said the adult skunk had sprayed at his rescuers when they tried to pick him up from the road, but had since been very happy.

Julianne said: "He is behaving himself completely but when the people tried to rescue him he sprayed them – that's how we know he hasn't been descented! He can definitely spray."

She added: "He's beautiful – very smelly, but he hasn't sprayed us yet so he's okay.

"He has definitely been well looked after, he's well fed and very friendly."

Julianne said it was unlikely the skunk, who has not yet been given a name by the practice staff, had not travelled too far before he was picked up.

She is hoping someone will now recognise him and claim him. If he is not claimed he will go to a rescue centre.

She said the skunk showed no sign of ill health so had probably not been lost for long.

Julianne has placed adverts in the Shropshire Star to try to trace the skunk's owners but in the meantime he is enjoying plenty of attention in his new surroundings.

Skunks, which are generally native to north America, are becoming increasingly popular as pets in the UK.

If looked after properly they are sociable and entertaining, although if they are frightened they can spray the foul-smelling liquid for which the animals are infamous.

Many pet skunks in America are 'descented' to prevent spraying, but the process is illegal in this country. It is considered unethical as it is purely cosmetic.

The vets can be contacted on (01952) 460781.