Wildwood Zoo Looking for Escaped Skunk

Friday, June 12th, 2026 -- 10:01 AM

Wildwood Zoo staff are actively working to locate Violet, one of the zoo's resident striped skunks, after she escaped from her habitat earlier this week.

Violet has called Wildwood Zoo home for the past two years, and her exhibit has successfully housed her throughout that time. The enclosure itself has a long history of safely containing a variety of species, including mountain lions in years past, and more recently, both skunks and porcupines.

At this time, we believe a combination of this year's flash flooding and heavy snowfall may have deteriorated a portion of the exhibit's foundation, creating an opening through which Violet was able to escape.

It is also important to note that the striped skunk mating season has just begun. While we cannot say with certainty whether this played a role in Violet's behavior, seasonal changes can influence animal activity.

Intact male skunks travel cross-country, traveling several miles a night in search of females. Violet is not considered a dangerous animal. She has been descented, up to date with her rabies shot, and was raised in human care her entire life, and is accustomed to the routines of a zoological setting.

While she is unlikely to approach people, she may also choose not to flee immediately if encountered. Despite her familiarity with people, she remains an animal and should never be approached or handled.

Zoo staff have begun trapping operations and will continue search efforts for the foreseeable future. We are asking members of the public to report any sightings of skunks that appear unusually calm or out of place.

If you believe you have seen Violet, please contact Marshfield dispatch at 715-387-4394 immediately with the location and try to keep a visual on the skunk. Please do not attempt to capture or approach any skunk encountered in the wild.

Wildwood Zoo remains committed to being transparent with our community. We understand that incidents like this can raise concerns, and we will continue to provide updates as information becomes available.

In the meantime, we appreciate the public's patience, understanding, and assistance as we work to safely bring Violet home.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.