Buddy the skunk missing from Little Stonham, near Stowmarket, after escaping enclosure

A woman is searching for her pet skunk, Buddy, who has gone missing in Suffolk.

Emily Tilbrook, who runs Em'z Exotic Encounters, near Little Stonham, is appealing for help to find Buddy after he escaped from his enclosure and has been missing since Friday morning.

Emily said she is deeply concerned for Buddy as adult male skunks can roam up to five miles a night in search of food and a mate.

To help in the search, a specialist tracking company called Drone To Home, known for locating missing dogs, is leading the effort to find the pet.

“I’m very worried,” Emily said. “We checked in on him only to find he had dug a really minute tunnel underneath the concrete of his enclosure to escape.

“We live quite close to the A140 so that’s quite a big worry to think he might have got on the road and been hit.

“I’m just trying to keep hopeful at the moment.”

Emily got two-year-old Buddy with the intention of training him for her business which offers exotic animal visits to parties, schools and other venues alongside her frogs, snakes and lizards.

Buddy was her first mammal — but after he bonded closely with her and her partner, Jay, they decided it was best to keep him as a pet rather than include him in the events.

Since his disappearance, Buddy was potentially spotted in Creeting St Mary, near Stowmarket, but all other sightings have so far been unsuccessful, Emily said.

Anyone who spots Buddy is being urged to call 0330 124 2004 immediately.

Emily added: “He will be very sensitive to loud noises so please, if you see him, do not shout or chase him or try to grab him.

“Call the number provided and we will get there as soon as possible.”