File this one under "stinkin' cute"! Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus driver Bob Ervin took extraordinary steps earlier this summer to save a skunk that had its head stuck inside a yogurt container.
Bob was driving back and forth along Route 14 early in the morning on July 10, 2020, when he saw the critter in distress. After he spotted the animal for a second time, Bob decided he had to do something to help.
While stopped at his layover, Bob went inside a Walgreens store and purchased an extended ‘grabber’ tool. As he continued his route, Bob kept an eye out for the skunk. Sure enough, the animal was still trapped and wandering along the median near 32nd and Forest Home.
Bob stopped his bus and told his passenger he’d be right back. “I knew this would turn out either really good or really bad,” Bob later joked.
Despite the obvious danger, Bob headed outside and used the tool to remove the plastic cup from the skunk’s head. Bob even took the cup with him so that he could throw it away.
Bob is known for being an animal lover. He said both he and his dog have been sprayed by a skunk in the past, so Bob knew the risk he was taking when he approached the critter.
Thank you, Bob, for your kindness and compassion. Your actions -- in addition to the great work you do each day -- are true examples of MCTS Excellence.
On August 10, 2020, PETA recognized Bob with a Compassionate Action Award, making him the third MCTS bus driver to receive recognition from the animal rights group.
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