Officers at the Cambridge Police Department in Massachusetts found themselves on an unexpected rescue mission when they stumbled upon two tiny baby skunks in need of help.
The little kits, so small that each could fit into one hand, had somehow become separated from their family. Officer Caitlin Russell, who had been heading back to her patrol car after another incident, spotted the lost babies. Despite the potential risk of getting sprayed—since skunks can spray as young as 3 weeks old—Russell’s compassion outweighed her concern.
“I saw they were alone. I couldn’t walk away,” she told The Dodo.
Skunk kits, born blind and deaf, rely entirely on their mother for the first few weeks of life. These babies, though able to see, were still vulnerable and in need of immediate help. And who could resist such adorable faces?
Russell, who feared getting sprayed, was pleasantly surprised when the kits were calm and content being held. “They were totally fine,” she said, adding, “so stinkin’ cute.”
She and another officer, who has not been named, kept the babies safe while waiting for Animal Control to arrive.
In an unexpected twist, Animal Control had already rescued two other orphaned skunks earlier that day, believed to be from the same litter. The babies were happily reunited at a wildlife rehabilitation center, where they will be cared for before being released back into the wild as a family.
The Cambridge Police Department shared the story on Facebook, reminding everyone that you never know who—or what—you’ll encounter during a shift.
Though skunks have historically been seen as pests, they’re gaining a new reputation as valuable creatures that help control rodent populations. In fact, 17 states allow people to have domesticated skunks as pets, though they undergo a controversial procedure to remove their scent glands.
It’s great to see these creatures getting the love they deserve. After all, even the most misunderstood animals deserve a little kindness—and these baby skunks are proof of that!