Skunk Scare
We were sniffing skunk around the neighborhood in late
Summer but we didn’t see any. Then one morning in early Fall (you know what’s
coming) I looked out the back window and saw the biggest skunk munching on our
lawn. We watched as it meandered along under the bird feeders, at the edge of
the hibiscus bushes, and through the dappled willow hedge on its way to our
neighbor’s yard. Then we lost sight of it.
The skunk didn’t show up again and we haven’t been aware of
its odor lately but the image is emblazoned in our memories. I had never seen
one so large before nor one with just one large, white stripe down its back. I
found out it is a particular species of skunk known as Conepatus leuconotus
( a white-backed hog-nosed skunk) that tends to inhabit Eastern Texas more than
anywhere else.
I found out that skunks tend to be solitary except in
breeding season, which has me wondering if there is a skunk family somewhere
about. They often inhabit places where other animals have dug in the earth and
we found some evidence of digging near our house.
It would be an understatement to say I am nervous about the
situation. I try to remind myself that all creatures need a place to live. I
wish it no harm but if it is lost, I admit that wouldn’t mind it finding its
way back to its natural habitat.
General facts about skunks:
Specific facts about white-tailed hog nosed skunks:
http://thewebsiteofeverything.com/animals/mammals/Carnivora/Mustelidae/Conepatus/Conepatus-leuconotus.html
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