“The unpleasant odor filled the space …”
A Strange Discovery In The Garage
On a very hot day in Washington Boro, Pennsylvania, a man named Mark was searching through his garage for a volleyball net when he suddenly discovered something upsetting.
A small black-and-white animal had become tangled in the netting.
When Mark looked closer, he realized it was a skunk. The little animal had somehow gotten into the garage and trapped his head in the volleyball net. As he struggled to escape, the net wrapped even tighter around his neck.
A Scared Skunk In Trouble
The skunk was frightened, overheated and stressed. As panic set in, he began spraying, filling the garage with a strong odor.
Mark was nervous to get too close, knowing that scared skunks can bite or spray when they feel threatened. But he also knew the animal needed help quickly, especially in the heat.
So he contacted Raven Ridge Wildlife Center and explained what had happened.
Keeping Him Safe From The Sun
While waiting for rescuers to arrive, Mark did what he could from a safe distance. He used a small plastic swimming pool to create shade over the trapped skunk, protecting him from the harsh sun.
It was a simple but thoughtful act that helped keep the animal safer until trained rescuers could take over.
Rescuers Step In
Fortunately, the wildlife center was only about 15 minutes away, and the rescue team arrived quickly.
Once they assessed the situation, they realized they could not safely cut the skunk free while he was fully awake. The netting was tight, and the frightened animal could hurt himself or the rescuers if he panicked.
The team carefully sedated him so they could remove the net without causing more stress or injury.
Finally Free
Once the skunk was sleepy enough to handle safely, rescuers gently cut away the remaining netting from around his neck.
They checked him over and were relieved to find that his injuries were not as serious as they had feared. He had some mild abrasions around his neck and a small wound on his leg, but he had survived the ordeal.
Rest And Recovery
The skunk was taken back to the wildlife center, where he was given a quiet place to recover. After everything he had been through, he slept for a long time.
Now he is receiving food, water, antibiotics and careful monitoring from the rescue team.
A Reminder About Sports Netting
Sadly, this was not the first time wildlife rescuers had found an animal trapped in sports netting. Nets left outside or stored carelessly can become dangerous traps for birds, mammals and other animals.
The rescue team hopes this story reminds people to put away unused netting when it is not being used.
A Second Chance
Thanks to Mark’s quick call for help and his effort to protect the skunk from the sun, the little animal is now safe and healing.
Rescuers are confident he will make a full recovery. Once he is strong enough, he will be released back into a safer wild area — far away from volleyball nets and garage trouble.