DEAR JOAN: I ride my bike on the Coyote Creek Trail almost daily, and for the last couple of weeks, there has been a skunk, all alone, out and about in broad daylight by the path.
It is rooting around in the grass (intensely), totally oblivious to people, bikes and, I assume, dogs (thankfully).This skunk also likes to hang out at the Model Airplane Park, along the path.
This is a first for me. Has it lost its mind, or have I?
— Sandy, Morgan Hill
DEAR SANDY: The good news is that neither of you have lost your minds. There are a few reasons for why the skunk may be loitering.
Its acceptance of people and dogs is a bit of a good news, bad news situation. Skunks only spray as a defensive method, so it’s good for us that it does not feel threatened and is not unloosing the unholy aroma.
It’s bad news for the skunk, however, as wildlife needs to have a healthy distrust of humans. When they become too friendly, they can end up in dangerous, often fatal situations.
Because the skunk is rooting around in the grass, it has probably found some food in that area — grubs, worms or insects. Or it may have discovered a cache of human food. Perhaps someone has been feeding it by putting out food for the skunk or for stray cats. Or a child might have spilled some Cheerios or other tasty treats.
Although skunks are nocturnal, it’s not unusual to see them out during the day, especially in February and March, which is mating season for skunks, and in the spring when they need to forage more to feed their families. As long as it’s not acting oddly, everything is OK.
If it’s a male skunk you’re encountering, you might catch a whiff of skunk perfume, released in an effort to attract a mate. You might also want to use additional caution around skunks during mating season, as they can be a bit touchy.
Whenever we encounter a skunk, we should move cautiously around them or avoid them all together. When you see one, stop and wait for the skunk to make the first move. It usually will amble away, but if it stomps its little feet and turns its back to you, run — or skedaddle — in the opposite direction. I love a good skedaddle.
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The Big Fix
Pet Food Express has launched a new campaign, The Big Fix, dedicated to supporting spay and neuter initiatives in California. In the Bay Area, the campaign will benefit Valley Humane Society, Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority, Joybound People & Pets (formerly ARF), Berkeley Humane, Peninsula Humane Society, San Francisco SPCA, Napa Humane and SNIP, the Spay Neuter Imperative Project.
Funding comes through the sale of limited-edition toys from SnugArooz, known as Big Fix Friends, at https://www.petfood.express/bigfix and in stores. Half the purchase price of the toys, which cost $5.99 for cat toys and $9.99 for dogs, will go directly to the nonprofits to provide low-cost or sliding scale spay and neuter programs. The toys are available through the end of the year, or while supplies last.
Animal Life runs on Mondays. Reach Joan Morris at AskJoanMorris@gmail.com.