An aggressive skunk that tested positive for rabies has sent three of the Stamford Museum & Nature Center's animals into quarantine following a physical attack last week, according to Stamford Animal Care & Control Shelter officials.
According to Officer Tilford Cobb, the skunk was involved in altercations with two of the SM&NC calves, Moose and Monty, as well as Petunia the Yak. At one point, Moose punted the angry creature about 30 feet, but it got right back up and latched onto Moose's nose with its teeth, Cobb said.
"Moose went crazy trying to shake it off," Cobb said. "We were able to trap it but had to put it down to test for rabies. Even in the carrier [the skunk] was acting really angry, biting the cage and scratching at the walls. He was the most aggressive skunk I'd ever seen. I've never seen a skunk act like that. Raccoons, yeah, but never a skunk."
The animal's rabies results came back Friday afternoon. On Monday, Media Relations Director Robin Wexler said the SM&NC was following all protocols to make sure the animals were all as safe as possible.
"We're following all regulations. Moose and Monty have been quarantined, as well as Petunia, all three animals we know came into contact with the skunk," Wexler said. "They're being quarantined from each other as well as the public. We're following all necessary precautions and procedures to keep them and the public healthy. They were all up to date on their rabies vaccinations but the veterinarian was here Friday giving them booster shots as a precaution."
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.