When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. Proverbs 16:7
There have been several generations of a family of skunks near our home for at least a couple of decades. Having observed them off and on during this period, I think skunks tend to get a bad rap.
At times over these many years, I’ve stumbled upon these critters whilst on a walkabout. We usually happen upon each other in the late evening, or sometimes even at night. Each time, the skunk could have easily sprayed me and made me pay for my blunder, but thus far he/she never has. All they’ve ever done is just about everything within their power to put some distance between us.
(Both Moon and Stardog, however, had a different outcome with their encounters with Mr. Skunk. Fortunately, each was sprayed only once, but that was enough!)
The above pictured skunk is one of a litter of at least three which were born near us this year. I’ve seen as many as five skunks together this summer. The young ones romp and wrestle like puppies, albeit a bit more slowly and less aggressively. I’ve watched them run across an open area, and I think I could walk about as fast as their top speed.
Skunks in North America live for only about 3-4 years in the wild. Full grown, they weigh about 7-10 lbs. They tend to have a den underground, but will occasionally live in a hollow log or tree. They are very adaptable, and eat bugs, grubs, berries, snakes, frogs, and even small rodents.
Skunks are also able to eat wasps and hornets, apparently with no ill effects from their stings. I have heard of yellow jackets in the ground being effectively removed by someone placing a skin from fish or chicken on the ground near the nest. When Mr. Skunk comes to eat the skin, he will dig up the yellow jackets, eat them, and destroy their nest!
When feeling threatened, a skunk first tends to stomp its feet or hiss/bark. If that doesn’t work, the skunk’s famous defense is its spray. Skunks are pretty accurate with their aim. The element in skunk spray which makes it so potent is sulfur (think rotten egg smell times about a bazillion).
Skunks can’t see very well, but they do have very good senses of hearing and smell. The young skunk in the above photo was trying to see my wife and me as he ambled toward us. We were down wind and not moving, so he was at a bit of a loss as to what to make of us. I thought the setting sun through his tail made for an interesting picture.
The above Scripture speaks of how God can make even our enemies be at peace with us. And although I don’t consider our nearby skunks to be my enemies, I am very grateful to be at peace with them and all the critters outside my door.
Not sure how to please the Lord or be at peace with Him? See Got God.
Hope you have a great day.