Skunk searchers thrown off scent

Skunks can normally spray accurately more than six feet

A search for a skunk is underway in the south Wales valleys - but sniffing him out will be a problem.

Alexander, the 12-week-old south American skunk, escaped through a window of his new owner's house.

But he has been "descented", so is unable to give out the skunk's traditional defensive odour.

Pet shop worker Jonathan Manley from Tonypandy, Rhondda, is desperate for Alexander to come home and is appealing for sightings of him.

Mr Manley, 23, said that Alexander slipped through an open window in the house after managing to climb onto a work top.

Alexander is still very nervous and won't come to people but it would be good to know where to start looking Jonathan Manley

"We have only had him for about four weeks and he is still very shy," explained Mr Manley.

"So I let him out to try and tame him a bit and he managed to climb up onto the surface and got out of an open window.

"We live in the mountains and after he got into the garden he must have got out into the wild."

Alexander, who is described as a black and white "fluffball" is a bit smaller than the size of the average cat.

"My daughter Georgia who is three is missing him a lot and keeps asking where her skunk has gone," said Mr Manley.

"He will survive in the wild because he lives on fruit and veg but I am really worried that a fox or a dog will get him.

"I really hope that dog walkers or horse riders will look out for him for us.

"The only problem is that Alexander is still very nervous and won't come to people but it would be good to know where to start looking.

"He has been descented so smells a bit like a ferret."

Mr Manley said that he has always been fascinated by the creatures and had hoped to be able to take Alexander around local schools to show children.

"We really would like to get him back.

"They are unusual pets but they are becoming more popular now and there are more people breeding them," added Mr Manley.

If anyone spots Alexander please contact Mr Manley on 01443 421 349