THE search for a missing skunk, the beloved pet of a Crediton family, which has been taking place in the town for the last six days has come to a happy ending, after she was found one-and-a-quarter miles away on the Crediton to Yeoford road.

Eight-months-old Bella escaped from the Stubbs family home in Tuckers Meadow last Sunday evening and there were sightings of her in Greenway on Monday morning and Tuckers Meadow on Tuesday.

The family were becoming increasingly concerned where Bella had run off to but their worries came to an end this morning (Friday).

Tracey Stubbs said the family had become increasingly concerned for the welfare of the animal and issued appeals for the public to help in the search.

The black and white pet has lived with Tracey, her husband Andrew, and their children Hannah (19), Boo (17) and Marcus (15), for many months.

Boo and Hannah said: “We are really grateful that a very kind man found her and brought her to us.

“Mr Ken Turner found her playing with his cat in the garden off the road to Yeoford, a really long distance from Bella’s home.

“He kindly picked her up and brought her home.

“Bella is now playing with the cats in the garden and she enjoyed real cuddles and a big dinner when she got back.

“She has lost some weight but is otherwise really healthy and happy to be back.

“We now have clips on her cage and are being careful so that she doesn’t escape again.

“We are all so glad she has been found and we would like to thank everyone who looked or helped with the search.”

It was believed that Bella escaped through a cat-flap.

The family acquired Bella from Exeter Exotics earlier this year.

St Boniface Veterinary Practice in Crediton helped the family in publicising the search for Bella.

Alan Quick