11-13-08

Yes, we have a skunk who seems to think he/she should be our new pet. A well fed one with privileges every evening just after dark. You are right, I try to have all my chores done by dark but tonight I was on my way into the chicken yard to close their door when I spot the critter almost making it into the coop. Randy was just arriving home and I called for him to come see. He goes to get the gun but by the time he enters the yard, le pew is long gone. Guess he burrowed under the fence but there was no sound out in the leaves so I don't know. He would sure like to get some of the eggs I'd just gathered. I be out earlier every evening

http://www.bear-tracker.com/stskunk.html shows some photos and gives a bit of information with lots of tracks. But we had noticed the holes dug around the yard. Looks like it had chewed threw a water hose and we now have a spewing leak in the middle of the iris bed out front.

At the above web site, it was mentioned that skunks don't like moth balls and that scattering a few will chase away the visitor. I just wonder if they are harmful to cats and dogs. We have 3 cats in the yard on a daily basis. Two or three of the neighbor's dogs make the rounds every day. I don't want to harm the dogs and cats but sure want to discourage the skunks.