Rare Western Spotted Skunks Released Into Wild After Rehabilitation In San Diego County

SAN DIEGO, CA — Four rare western spotted skunks have been released back into the wild after spending several weeks rehabilitating at San Diego Humane Society's Ramona Wildlife Center.

The skunks were released at a remote site in Valley Center after reaching developmental milestones and a healthy weight needed to survive on their own, according to San Diego Humane Society. One of the orphaned skunks was flown more than 400 miles from Northern California by Flying Tails Animal Rescue to join the group in Ramona.

Officials said western spotted skunks are not commonly seen in wildlife rehabilitation. While Ramona Wildlife Center admits hundreds of striped skunks each year, receiving six western spotted skunks from different litters in one season is unusual because the species typically lives in remote forested areas rather than urban neighborhoods.

"We have never seen this many western spotted skunks in a single season before," Wildlife Operations Manager Autumn Welch said in a statement. "Because they are more reclusive than striped skunks, they require very specific care and even more secluded release sites to ensure they can stay wild."

Two western spotted skunks remain at Ramona Wildlife Center, where staff are caring for them until they are ready for release, which is expected within the next one to two months.

San Diego Humane Society asked anyone who finds an injured, sick or orphaned wild animal to contact Project Wildlife at sdhumane.org/wildlifehelp or 619-299-7012.