Volunteer pilots fly rare baby skunk 400 miles so she does not have to be alone anymore

Online viewers have been captivated by Pinyon, a young spotted skunk whose 400-mile journey across California with volunteer pilots led her to a rehabilitation facility where she can safely join other spotted skunks.

What happened?

An Instagram post from a pilot who specializes in flying at-risk animals to safety shows the baby spotted skunk snuggling in a blanket.

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A post shared by Ken Wayne (@weareflyingtails)

The caption explains that Pinyon was flown roughly 400 miles from Placerville, California, to the San Diego Humane Society. According to the pilot, spotted skunks are relatively uncommon in Northern California, where Pinyon was found, and relocating her to Southern California places her closer to other members of her species.

According to the post, when Pinyon is ready to be released, she won’t “have to be alone anymore and can hang out with fellow Spotted Skunks.”

Why does it matter?

The post underscores the careful, coordinated work of volunteers and wildlife conservation groups to help at-risk species survive and thrive…

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