So yesterday morning when I looked out the back door, I had a return visitor from earlier this week:
This week marks the first time I have ever seem a living skunk up here - you smell them, of course, during the mating season, or see them on the road having not made it to the other side, but never a living, breathing skunk just going about it's business.
Skunks (as I quickly educated myself) are omnivores, primarily eating insects and plants but not refusing a snake, mouse, or rabbit given hunger and the opportunity. If they are eating out wasps' nests, I am nothing but a fan.
It honestly surprises and pleases me that, even after so many years of coming here and being here, there are still new things to be see.
I had a pet skunk once. It was descented, hated me, and only came out of his little dog house to eat. He hissed and stamped his feet when I was around. He finally escaped his cage. I always wanted to pet him, but those teeth are pointy sharp, like a cat.
ReplyDeleteI have heard they make not great pets STxAR. They are cute from a distance though!
DeleteIf you are seeing skunks, porcupines, bobcats, etc...
ReplyDeleteIt is a sure sign that you are making a habitable space.
Keep up the good work (behind glass of course)!
Thank you Just So - Although frankly at this point to date with my parents and people that run cattle here, it is more of making sure we take care of the forest and leaving the rest alone.
DeleteNice video! Skunks rarely come close to our house since we have so many dogs, which is a good thing for the skunks AND our dogs. Also, they often carry rabies in my neck of the woods, so I prefer them to keep their distance.
ReplyDeleteKelly, I have never seen one this close to the house before. Speaking with the gentleman that runs the cattle here, apparently they have been around the barn and into the hay.
DeleteI've had them up on my deck, where 'coons & possums also dine on leftover porch cat food.
ReplyDeleteLiving in the boonies beats the city anytime.
I have never seen one so close here. At home, even in our urban area, we have seen possum, racoons, and coyotes.
DeleteYou already know about my drunk skunk. ;) They are regular visitors here, digging little holes all over the place in search of grubs and whatnot. They are very friendly little creatures.
ReplyDeleteMy only objection to them is that they eat bees. One time they dug up a ground bee nest and demolished it. That was okay, but I believe skunks are why my three honeybee hives absconded. Consequently, I'm reluctant to try beekeeping again.
Leigh - I do remember said drunk skunk! This one was certainly cute to watch.
DeleteI wonder - could you add an electric perimeter fence to your beeyard to cover this? Maybe solar power it?
We have had them from time to time on our farm making a home in an outbuilding. Since finding that out often means meeting in enclosed dark spaces, we work hard to protect the outside of the building so they can't break in and make a home.
ReplyDeleteI can imagine Ed. I carefully observed from behind glass windows.
DeleteIt does help me understand how people might get sprayed when ordinarily one things "You are a smart person - how did that happen?"
Neat! I have only seen one in the wild once. It was in a downtown core on a patch of lawn 20x30. Your environment is much more pleasing!
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