Smelly Wildlife ( Alison Wakefield )

A few mornings ago this smelly critter decided to walk into my back yard. It wasn't hard to identify it because everyone knows the smell of skunk, and that when you see a black and white fluffy creature you should not approach because it will spray you.
Skunks are burrowing animals and also omnivorous; they feed on grubs, insects, small rodents, carrion, fruits and vegetables. They breed from February to March; gestation is eight weeks – they produce four to seven young which are usually independent by mid-summer. Skunks are active all year but may be dormant during periods of extended cold. They are attracted to spaces under porches, decks, sheds, woodpiles, rocks or debris, garbage, pet food and open composts. One thing that most people don't realize, when they come in contact with a skunk is that when they put their tail up they aren't spraying. Skunks have to hop on their front feet a few times before they spray so if you see them hop you need to run at least 15 feet away to avoid getting sprayed.