Early Saturday morning, a Northwest El Paso resident named Fred spotted an unusual sight while out on his 6 a.m. walk – a skunk moving in circles with a yogurt cup perched on its head. Concerned for the animal’s welfare, Fred called 311 for guidance, only to learn that the city’s wildlife‑help line was closed for the hour.
Improvised rescue
Determined to help, Fred retrieved a grabber reacher tool from his garage and a piece of cloth to protect himself from a possible spray. He approached the skunk cautiously, using the reacher to pry the plastic cup away while the cloth acted as a barrier. After a few careful moments, the cup was freed and the skunk scurried off, still clutching the reacher tool in its paws.
Footage captured
Fred’s home security camera recorded the entire episode, showing the skunk’s confused pacing before the rescue and its quick departure once the cup was removed. He later shared the video with KVIA, providing a clear visual of the animal’s brief ordeal and the humane solution.
Animal‑service guidance
El Paso Animal Services (EPAS) was contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication. EPAS’s website advises residents to avoid approaching wildlife directly. Instead, they recommend calling 311 or Texas Parks and Wildlife at (915) 849‑4080 for advice on how to handle encounters safely.
Community perspective
Stories like Fred’s highlight the everyday compassion found in our neighborhoods. While wildlife can sometimes pose challenges, responsible citizen action—paired with professional guidance—helps protect both animals and residents. The incident also serves as a reminder to keep an eye out for unusual situations and to reach out to local animal‑service agencies for assistance.
Safety tips for wildlife encounters
- Observe from a distance; do not attempt to handle wild animals unless trained.
- If an animal appears trapped or injured, contact EPAS at 311 or Texas Parks and Wildlife.
- Use protective barriers, such as a cloth, to minimize the risk of spray or bites.
- Document the situation with photos or video, but share only with relevant authorities.
Fred’s quick thinking and humane approach turned a potentially stressful encounter into a successful rescue, underscoring the importance of community members looking out for the creatures that share our city.
Original reporting: El Paso News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
