After delaying yard work to avoid the afternoon heat, I was returning to the house last evening as dusk deepened across our Littleton farm. Passing a shrub row, I caught sight of a striped skunk at the last minute, its tail already raised in self-defense.
Avoided by humans and most predators due to their noxious spray, these common suburban residents are also known to carry rabies; indeed, there has been an epidemic of skunk-borne rabies in southwest Denver in recent years. Fortunately, this skunk was not aggressive and did not demonstrate any unusual behavior; nevertheless, I gave it a wide berth as I headed for the house.
Usually seen alone except when females have young in tow, striped skunks are omnivores, favoring insects but also consuming young rodents, eggs, berries and various crops. Great horned owls are one of the few predators unfazed by their odiferous and irritating spray. While interesting to observe at a distance, last evening's visitor was a bit too close for comfort.
Avoided by humans and most predators due to their noxious spray, these common suburban residents are also known to carry rabies; indeed, there has been an epidemic of skunk-borne rabies in southwest Denver in recent years. Fortunately, this skunk was not aggressive and did not demonstrate any unusual behavior; nevertheless, I gave it a wide berth as I headed for the house.
Usually seen alone except when females have young in tow, striped skunks are omnivores, favoring insects but also consuming young rodents, eggs, berries and various crops. Great horned owls are one of the few predators unfazed by their odiferous and irritating spray. While interesting to observe at a distance, last evening's visitor was a bit too close for comfort.
