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91ƵCompassion is way bigger than logic91Ƶ: Kootenay man saves skunk from can

Michael Jeffery risked being sprayed when he decided to help the animal
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Blewett resident Michael Jeffery spotted this skunk with its head stuck in a can Saturday. Photo: Michael Jeffery

Would you pull a can off a skunk91Ƶs head?

Michael Jeffery asked himself that question before he decided to side with his heart over his head.

Jeffery, who lives in Blewett near Nelson, was driving to work Saturday when he spotted the skunk stumbling near the road with its head lodged in a can.

He pulled over right away.

91ƵMy heart kind of stopped,91Ƶ he said Monday. 91ƵOh my god, like what91Ƶs going on? I was really surprised and then I felt deep grief, like compassion for the guy.91Ƶ

Jeffery decided to help the skunk and got out of his car. As he did, he spotted an eagle swoop down and pick a fish out of the nearby lake. That, Jeffery decided, was a good omen.

But it didn91Ƶt solve how to save the skunk, preferably without getting sprayed.

Jeffery decided to act fast when the skunk waddled nearby. He jumped at the skunk, and managed to pry the can partially off before making his escape.

91ƵI just started running as fast as I possibly could,91Ƶ he said. 91ƵAdrenaline was high.91Ƶ

He then turned to see the skunk shake off the can. He popped his tail up and aimed it at Jeffery, but then turned and disappeared into the bushes.

Jeffery returned to his car, stink free, and later shared the moment in a Facebook post where he91Ƶs been applauded for his empathy.

91ƵThere was a little part of me that91Ƶs like, this is stupid,91Ƶ he said. 91ƵBut compassion is way bigger than logic.91Ƶ

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| tyler.harper@nelsonstar.com
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Tyler Harper

About the Author: Tyler Harper

I91Ƶm editor-reporter at the Nelson Star, where I91Ƶve worked since 2015.
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