Friday, July 8, 2011


Coming home from the butterfly meadow I saw a dark movement among the weeds.
I held still as the animal joined me on my path.
I had recently watched a show on public television that said skunks won't spray unless they are startled or as a last resort when threatened. We had had one in our yard quite a bit last summer. It had allowed me to get pretty close to take its photo. I had never been this close before.
I started talking quietly to the skunk. It jumped a little when it first noticed me then, evidently decided that I wasn't much of a threat. It came toward me a little then started rooting in the grass on the other side of my path.  I needed to get home so I decided to press my luck.
My quiet chatter never stopped as I calmly walked past the skunk, about six feet away. 
-------------------------------------------------------------
    

11 comments:

SquirrelQueen said...

Great shots, how cool to see a skunk so close. We have one that visits our yard sometimes but usually it's late at night.

TexWisGirl said...

great shots!!! just be careful as some critters like skunks and raccoons if seen in the daylight might be infected with rabies!!!

KaHolly said...

You avoided the old tomato juice bath this time! They are kind of cute, aren't they?

Karen said...

I actually find skunks to be quite cute, it's when they spray my dog or get in the garage I'm not too fond of them. You have some wonderful pictures of your close encounter here, and I'm glad it was a pleasant one for you both!

JSK said...

A cutie pie. But easy to say from several hundred miles away. :-)

Out on the prairie said...

I let my dog out at 3am last year while camping. Being black I couldn't see her so I made kissy sounds I make to call her in. Around the corner came a skunk and I had to push it out of my tent. They make similar sounds.It sprayed the tent and I never could rid the smell, nor can i stop making the kissy sound to call my dog.

Nellie from Beyond My Garden said...

Out on the prairie, THAT is a funny story!
nellie

Jeanne Frances Klaver said...

What a gift to be able to get close enough for this shot! You know the saying, "Fear no evil..."? You obviously carry around very good vibes.

Kathy said...

My, you are brave to venture so close.

Corner Gardener Sue said...

Oh, my! I'm glad I read this, just in case I ever come upon such a creature! What a brave woman you were! I am proud of you!

Rose said...

You were braver than me with that skunk!