When a call came in about a group of baby skunks left alone on the roadside after their mother was hit by a car, rescuers from the Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center in North Carolina wasted no time rushing to the scene.
What they found melted their hearts. Eight tiny, furry babies were huddled together on the side of the road, clinging to one another for warmth and comfort.
The little ones seemed to be waiting for their mom to wake up and take them home. But as the hours passed, it became heartbreakingly clear that she was gone.
Safe At Last
When rescuers arrived, the baby skunks were still curled up tightly in a small pile. The team gently gathered them and brought them back to their rescue center for immediate care.
Each baby was examined by the medical staff. Thankfully, most of them were in good health, but one tiny skunk, the smallest of the litter, was struggling to survive. The team named her Angel Wing.
Aside from her fragile condition, Angel Wing stood out because of her unusual coloring.
“She was one of the only ones with a black body and a little white head,” a rescuer at Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center told The Dodo.
The team gave her extra care and attention, making sure she was warm, well-fed, and loved. After a week of treatment, Angel Wing began to grow stronger and more energetic.
Once she fully recovered, her lively spirit began to shine.
“She was able to pull through, and in such a big way, and just come out and be this little but mighty character,” the rescue team said.
Despite being the runt of the litter, Angel Wing quickly became the leader. She was the most talkative, playful, and mischievous of all her siblings—often the one to start a wrestling match.
Back Where They Belong
At the rescue, Angel Wing and her siblings had plenty of space to run and explore.
What might have looked like chaotic play to some was actually an important part of their learning process. These playful activities helped them build strength, coordination, and confidence for life in the wild.
Once they were strong enough and able to fend for themselves, the rescuers proudly released the young skunks back into their natural habitat.
Seeing them scamper off into the wild was bittersweet for the team, especially for those who had nursed Angel Wing back to health.
“[She] probably will be the boss of the forest,” the rescue shared.
The Carolina Wildlife Conservation Center reminds everyone that if you spot a baby skunk alone for more than 24 hours, or if it appears weak, cold, or lethargic, contact a licensed wildlife organization for help.
By reaching out, you could be giving another little one like Angel Wing the chance to survive and thrive.
