Man shoots self after spotting skunk

SARASOTA, Fla., Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Police in Florida said a man attempting to take care of a skunk on his friend's property accidentally shot himself in the hand and face while loading a rifle.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said the 31-year-old Sarasota man was at a friend's house Friday night and attempted to load a .22-caliber rifle after they spotted a skunk in the yard, the Bradenton (Fla.) Herald reported Monday.

Police said the man, who did not know there was already a round in the chamber, had his right hand on the barrel when he accidentally hit the trigger and a bullet injured his fingers and lodged itself in his left cheek.

The sheriff's office said the man's injuries did not appear life threatening and he was alert when they arrived on the scene.