This morning as I was going to let Kota out, I glanced out in the field and saw a parade of skunks running to the feral feeders. Mom in front, babies staggering behind. I grabbed Kota’s leash and put him in his pen and then went inside to grab my cell phone. By the time, I got back the last tails were disappearing under the feeder- but I managed to get this photo of some of her young ones. I’m sure Kota wants to get up close and personal, but that isn’t going to happen. My biggest fear is Poe one of our outside semi-feral cat who is so intrigued by these critters will be the only cat that might get sprayed.
I think it’s a bit funny that based on some advice from a “rehabber” we elevated the feral feeders to stop wildlife from getting into them easily. Doesn’t appear to stop them- nor do the motion detector lights we installed.
A long time ago I had a pet skunk, bought as a kitten at a pet store – fur farm origin, no doubt. Had him for about 5 years. Once he tamed down he was a sweet, affectionate, intelligent animal. Easy to feed, semi-housebroken. De-skunked. But when he became annoyed he would stamp his feet, turn around, lift his tail. And shoot blanks.
Skunks are very calm. I came across one in a tool shed where I was working, napping on a pile of sacks. Got some cheese and tossed him pieces. Fun.
They’re good mousers but not as good as cats, of course. Eat grubs, worms, grasshoppers, all sorts of things.
Thanks for bringing back all these good memories.
I think skunks are pretty smart. Like cats, they will figure out a way of getting to where they want to be.
I love to watch their waddling gait!