Living with Wildlife - Orphaned Skunk Kits

Mission Viejo Animal Services received a call in April from a concerned Laguna Hills resident who spotted baby skunks (known as kits) roaming through a busy parking lot in the afternoon. Animal Control Officers arrived at the parking lot and were able to locate three kits without their mother in sight—a rare and concerning situation that suggested something unfortunate had happened to her. The kits were initially treated for dehydration before being transported to a licensed wildlife rehabilitation facility by our exceptional HOWL (Helping Out Wildlife Locally) volunteers.

This week, the rehabilitation center contacted Mission Viejo Animal Services with wonderful news: The skunks were ready to be released back into the wild. Fully grown and healthy, the skunks were returned to a location near where they were originally found, ready to play their vital role in our ecosystem. While skunks can cause quite a stink when threatened, they are invaluable for insect control, helping to maintain a balanced environment.

Releasing rehabilitated wildlife back into the wild is truly special and rewarding to us. It signifies not only the successful recovery of these animals but also our commitment to preserving and nurturing the natural balance of our ecosystem. Mission Viejo Animal Services truly appreciates the HOWL volunteers for their efforts and dedication in protecting and supporting our native wildlife.  For more information about skunks and local wildlife, visit CMVAS.org