A Calgary man came face to face with a live skunk after someone trapped it and then dumped it in his garbage.
Skunks are not the most loved creatures in the wild, and maybe even less liked in rural areas.
The last thing you want is one living under your porch or deck but if the critters do make your home their home it's probably a good idea to call in the experts to get rid of it.
One Calgary man received a smelly surprise when he looked in his dumpster and found a live skunk caught in a trap inside.
After recovering from his initial shock, Sebastien Gagnon grabbed his camera and took a few pictures.
"I didn't know what to do to be honest. I was shocked, but I guess people if they catch a pest they kill it, and I saw it alive in there and I kind of felt bad," said Gagnon.
Gagnon called 311 and was put in touch with the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation.
The wildlife group is known for rescuing injured wildlife and offers an alternative to traditional pest control.
Roy Hoskins took the call about the live skunk that was left to die.
"It's despicable. It's truly despicable. If you're going to trap that's one thing, but to throw it in a dumpster and let it die, it's inhumane and despicable," said Hoskins.
Hoskins is working for another home owner who saw a skunk digging under their porch.
He says he will secure the area and leave a one way door so the skunks won't be trapped.
Hoskins says a skunk family will likely move to another den on its own but relocating them is also an option.
Hoskins was able to save the young skunk and set it free outside the city on a friend's acreage.
For more information on animal conservation, visit the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation website.
