Skunk found in dumpster with plastic container on its head

A skunk is shown in a dumpster with a plastic container stuck on its head. (Simcoe County Emergency Animal Response/Facebook)

A skunk is breathing fresh air again after it was freed from a plastic container, thanks to the help of police and an animal response group.

A Huronia West OPP officer responded to a report of a raccoon stuck in a dumpster but when officers arrived, the animal turned out to be a skunk with a plastic container stuck over its head.

The skunk was showing signs of distress like pacing around the dumpster and needed special attention, which is when the officer called in backup from Simcoe County Emergency Animal Response.

Using special tools, the team was able to get to the scene and safely trap the skunk, remove it from the dumpster and release it from the container.

From there, the skunk went on its way and was able to head back into the wild without any injuries, according to the animal response team.

It is unclear whether crews were sprayed by the skunk in the process of the rescue.