Skunk!

I can now add skunk to our list of critter visitors!  It was dusk and rainy, and it was probably checking out the food I had put out, while wandering across the yard.  This was no ordinary skunk–it was a Jewish skunk!  It was pure black except for a perfect white “kippa” (“yarmulke”) on its head!  No visible white stripes.  I’ve never seen a skunk like that.  It looked young, so maybe not quite developed yet.  It was hard to get good photos from the window, but these are my best shots.  You can just make out the white cap.

Skunks are very beneficial to the environment.  They’re nocturnal, omnivorous, and eat lots of harmful bugs and rodents.  They won’t bother you unless you approach them and don’t back off.  I’m excited when any native species makes an appearance, because it tells me I’m doing the right things to attract wildlife, which helps restore habitats to their intended balance and order.

 

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