Skunks need glasses
If it weren’t for the vile, putrefying stench, skunks are actually rather cute. But as afraid as I am of coming across a rattle snake, I was really scared when this skunk just walked up next to me in the backyard. It also happened a couple of weeks ago when a skunk walked right past me like I was invisible. They must have bad eyesight because this time it was around 7:00 pm and still light outside. I had just finished clipping some roses when this guy waddled out and acted like he was alone in the universe. I heard some rustling behind him and noticed another skunk behind some shrubs. I decided not to stay around. Not knowing what would prompt them to spray and not needing to find out, I slowly backed away into the house. I got my camera and took this picture from inside the house. He still didn’t notice me hanging out the window (maybe skunks need glasses!) but I was prepared to slam that window shut if he got too close. I wonder what would have happened if my rabbit showed up at the same time. Could they coexist? I wish I could pet all the little fuzzy animals that show up and bring them inside for a snack… except for the mangy, rat-faced, no-good, low-life, beady-eyed, scum-sucking, fruit-eating squirrel.
Skunks, when confronted or readying to spray, do a stamping of their feet dance. Then they turn around and lift their tails. If that second part happens– be very far away.
They are extremely near sighted but very docile and do not spray unless they believe they have no choice. If you leave them alone as they walk by, they won’t even notice you; and if they do notice you, back away and talk soothingly.
http://www.wildlifehotline.org/skunk.html
The skunks are use to you and you don’t scare them, but yeah Jenny keep a good distance from the skunks. I hear things can smell really bad if sprayed upon. I’m glad you find them cute, and so do I, unlike the squirrels, but Jenny I have a heart for squirrels when I see them on the roads hit by cars. I feel bad for them even though I hate’em. Why do they have to be so annoying? A squirrel can be just as cute. I use to love sitting outside watching them play but they have become destructive in my eyes and it seems you have seen what they can do with you having them attack your trees and plants. No other animals really does that not even the rabbit you had with the tomatoes caused you problems. Which you had tons of tomatoes so maybe the rabbit was playing it smart and knew right where to hide out and eat…lol…The only thing around here is raccoons, opossums and of course squirrels. Lots of birds though…
I hope everyone had a great Memorial Day weekend. Also enjoy the rest of your week as well 😀
That’s a great photo JJ! We will never forget when a skunk got in our house and our dog at the time, Sheba, caught him 😉 needless to say, it was very hard to breathe in our house for days!!! And Sheba, unapproachable too!! 🙂
Sue