Striped skunk receiving ‘supportive care’ at CROW
A unique patient was admitted to the Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife on Nov. 13 after it was found wandering alone in Cape Coral.
“I’ve never really seen them come in,” CROW Rehabber Yvette Carrasco said of the striped skunk. “They are not as common as spotted (skunks.)”
The young, five- to six-week-old striped skunk, was barely done weening from its mother when found alone. With no injuries found, he is receiving supportive care until he can be released.
The skunk was dewormed when he arrived.
His meals consisted of a “mashy” diet fed through a syringe when first admitted. The young striped skunk graduated to eating on his own, with solid foods being introduced Monday, Nov. 20.
“He’s gaining weight and doing really well,” Carrasco said.
The solid food diet consisted of such food as eggs, berries and banana.
“He was taking out pieces of the egg,” she said smiling.
The striped skunk will be moved to an outdoor enclosure once he reaches the weight of 400 grams and can find food on his own. As of Monday, Nov. 20 he weighed 205 grams.
The inside enclosure for the striped skunk includes palm fronds, a log and a little enclosure where he likes to sleep. Although he sleeps most of the day, Carrasco said when he’s awake he’s climbing and moving around.
Due to the age of the skunk, CROW staff does not have to be worried about the possibility of being sprayed yet. Carrasco said they still take precaution by putting a small towel over him and tucking his tail under his body.
For updates on the skunk baby and other animals in the care of CROW, visit crowclinic.org/patient-detail/current-patients
Donations are also always welcome.