Good news to report on my
orphaned baby skunks. Earlier in the
week I contacted wild skunk rehabilitators and was told the kittens looked to
be about seven weeks old. The tots stay
with mama until the autumn so we’re certain she has died. Striped skunks eat mainly bugs so I’m not
concerned about lack of food for my toddlers but rather worry they might get
out on the road. So far they have
managed to stay pretty close to home.
Fingers and toes crossed!
Since these little darlings
came into my life I’ve done quite a bit of research into wild skunks and have
been deeply saddened to learn their lives are so short. In captivity they can live up to ten years
but out in the wild the average life expectancy is only two or three
years. Disease, dogs and man (of course)
are their main predators. The
slow-moving skunk’s natural defense mechanism is to stand and face down an
enemy which makes her an easy target for automobiles.
People tend to think they
will spray a human on sight but truth be told they warn us with a little front
foot dance first. If one encounters a wild
skunk, merely move out of her way and go about your business. These adorable little creatures do so much
good eating grubs and other bugs that destroy lawns and gardens. They are sweet gentle little souls who
deserve our protection. If you see one
in the road, PLEASE, PLEASE give her a BRAKE!
Petunia, of Bon Bon Pond
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