THIS WEEKS LESSON
I had Young Naturalist J with me and I know that he LOVES going spotlighting for wildlife. I asked him if he would like to see how “I” like to go spotlighting?? We saw this little critter out along the tree line and so I pulled my truck over on the side of the road! We jumped out of my truck with camera and spotlight in hand. . . . . this is what we found . . . .
He told me once it finally ran away, “I have never been this close to a skunk before”! We had fun spotlighting other mammals that evening and the second skunk we approached did raise his tail at us. . . . but we did not try to get as close to this fuzzy little thing! Expect more pictures and videos from us here soon!
Mon@rch's Nature Blog 
Lucky you and young Naturalist J! The skunk odor lingers as I witnessed (residents in Delaware near a bog) but I’ve never been sprayed, either. Cool video. Steer clear… :o)
20 July 2007 at 9:47 pm
Actually, I think skunks are cute–except for that nasty spraying habit!
20 July 2007 at 10:16 pm
Actually for a while I had to make sure I didn’t step on one in my back yard. If I didn’t move fast I almost never got agression from the skunk. Nice clip!
20 July 2007 at 11:54 pm
I don’t know what’s wrong with my computer, but I can never play any of your videos. Help!
21 July 2007 at 6:45 am
Cooool Tom!!! Is the spotlight the light you showed me that you wear on your hat? I smelled skunk spray when I went out to go to work the other morning – blech!
21 July 2007 at 9:39 am
Cute but scary… that spray smell…ewwww. Here’s a ponderable: Why is it that you see one who has met his unfortunate demise in the road, and you never smell it until after you’ve passed it????
21 July 2007 at 10:38 am
I guess skunks don’t usually spray you unless they’re cornered or surpised.-Nice video-I wonder if it was related tp pepe le’pew
21 July 2007 at 11:56 am
Fun video!
They are lovely and I am glad they can protect themselves! Do wish spraying cars worked.
Sherry
21 July 2007 at 8:23 pm
Great video – good distance. Once had a skunk in the laundry. When there was a hedge out the front, a whole family resided under the hedge. I think one of them came in to look for cat food. Interesting experience.
21 July 2007 at 11:59 pm
You know, Tom, when I first stopped by your site today–something just didn’t smell right. Now I know why. Haha. Great post and a pretty rare video as well. We all see them after they have been fighting with vehicles, but rarely people have taken the time to shoot video. Thanks for doing us this favor!
22 July 2007 at 1:17 am
That was brave. Do you spot light with a special kind of light?
22 July 2007 at 11:22 am
How cute! The dogs have been sprayed twice this summer, and this morning we smelled the lovely aroma of Skunky on a hike. Leashes come in handy. But if too late, “Skunk off” is a good product. Dusk and dawn hikes: watch out! 🙂
22 July 2007 at 12:02 pm
Good job with the spotlight, Tom! I have 2 of the rechargable ones….an excellent item to have along on those middle-of-the-night safaris into the backyard and beyond.
22 July 2007 at 1:32 pm
@ KGMom – thanks and I agree that they are soo cute!
@ Jen – you need to download Quick Time and your problems will go away!
@ Pam – thanks and this is a big walmart light that I am using!
@ Jayne – thanks and wish I could have an answer for you with that! LOL
@ Larry – thanks and we still don’t want to tempt it but will try to get close at every chance!
@ Sherry – thanks and they sure can when needed!
@ Shutterbug – ugg, probably needed new clothing after that! You mean they are not cute little kittens?
@ Barb – hey missed you! Thanks and just a 20 dollar walmart special!
@ TR – thanks and sorry to hear about your puppies!
@ Ruthie – thanks and this one is rechargeable! Very handy for sure!
22 July 2007 at 2:28 pm