MINNEAPOLIS -- "The spotted skunk is actually a threatened species in Minnesota. Spotted skunks were very numerous at one time in the southern part of the state but dwindled by the 1950s and by the 1990s the DNR identified just four," explains Peggy Callahan of the Wildlife Science Center in Forest Lake.
And Peggy Callahan of the Wildlife Science Center thinks this one was someone's pet.
"She's obviously not suited for wildlife, and was probably not born in the wild. She was probably someone's pet. You got to admit they're darn cute," added Callahan.
Since she's not exactly wild and still young she will serve as a great educational program ambassador.
"She will be very useful in teaching about disappearing species, changing habitat," added Callahan.
There is one problem however... She can still spray... Something they're well aware of while trying to get her from the cage to the vet clinic to have those glands removed.
"Oh jeeze that's strong, huh? I don't think she'll point blank you," added Callahan.
"We're going to let this girl have a little bit of a drug effect so she's relaxed in the clinic," added Callahan.
Once in the clinic they give her some gas to put her out for surgery... A surgery not often performed.
"There aren't any books written that says what it looks like. Peggy and I work well together," explains Dr. Dave Enright of the South Shore Veterinary Clinic in Forest Lake.
The surgery is quick and easy. This girl will now be ready to educate with a little less potency.
(Copyright 2011 by KARE. All Rights Reserved.)