Every week we see the affects of garbage on wildlife in our area. This young mink was pulled out of a dumpster in Omaha with a deep wound around its neck. When we received it, it was clear to us that the "embedded collar" type wound was caused by garbage, and a plastic ring (the type found below the cap of a Gatorade bottle that holds it in place) was surgically removed from his neck. If he hadn't been found, he eventually would have succumbed to infection or the restriction on his neck as he grew. Luckily for him he was found and is now on the mend here at NWR!
