Suddenly We’re Seeing So Many Skunks in Michigan! Why?
While driving into work today, I took the downtown exit of the expressway. Pulling up to Michigan Street I was astonished to see a skunk sauntering across the exit ramp. It was in no hurry, just slowly crossing the road. I let it go and into the grass and weeds along the road.
WOW, I thought, downtown?
Well, it's not the first time I've seen skunks, but there seem to be a whole lot more than I'm used to seeing. Why?
For one thing, Evanston Roundtable says skunk kits born last spring have reached maturity in recent weeks and they’re on the move in their annual fall shuffle. Also they're searching for cozy winter retreats, gorging on grubs and blasting clueless canines who wander too close.
Oh how I remember a dog of ours several years ago getting sprayed. It was horrible, and no matter how hard we tried to wash it away in his fur, you could still smell him. So, it was off to the dog groom for that final wash and clean. Whew!
If they are searching for food, what are they looking for?
According to American Tarantula & Animals, they'll eat seriously yucky things!
They'll eat snakes, spiders, roaches, grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles among other critters we consider pests but they love. So, I guess you might say skunks are not all that bad.
Skunks also eat amphibians, including frogs, toads, and newts.
And a delicacy they enjoy most, bees and their honey. Skunks are protected from bee stings by their thick fur. Geeze!
They'll also eat garbage in the winter since they can't eat their regular diet, so make sure you keep your garbage can tightly closed.
So watch out and stay alert. Skunks are everywhere! The farther away from people the better.
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