A Skunk Called Pickle
A Small Beginning
On May 12th, the Critter Care Wildlife Society (CCWS) was notified of an orphaned baby skunk in Delta. A caring member of the public found the tiny skunk in the middle of the road, contained it, and brought it to our centre. She was described as tiny, with little fur and possible wounds to her neck. That day marked the beginning of her rehabilitation journey.
First Days in Care
On intake, the little skunk weighed just 82 grams and was estimated to be about two weeks old. We suspect she had been grabbed by a predator and dropped on the road. Amazingly, aside from moderate dehydration, she was in good health. She received subcutaneous fluids and, once stable, was started on milk feeding. To our delight, she suckled perfectly from the start—a rare trait in young skunks.
Meet Pickle
After about a week in care, the skunk was given the name Pickle. What began as a lighthearted nickname quickly became her identity. True to her name, Pickle developed a strong personality. Like all skunks, she loved her food, and if she had her way, she would have eaten endlessly. Staff quickly learned that she was playful, stubborn, and full of spunk. She demanded cuddles when she wanted them, insisted on being left alone when she didn’t, and threw noisy temper tantrums when woken from her naps.
Growing Up Strong
Staff and interns were privileged to witness Pickle’s milestones—her eyes opening, her first wobbly steps, and her first bites of solid food. Watching her grow and thrive, as with every animal raised at CCWS, was a rewarding experience.
Ready for the Wild
This summer, Pickle will be released alongside her adoptive brothers and sisters. By then, they will all be strong, capable, and ready to face the challenges of the wild. Until that day comes, she continues to charm everyone who cares for her.
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