Bumped! By a skunk!

I recently bought a trail camera, and I’m having great fun with this amazing piece of technology! No, I’m not out on the trail. I’m right here at home, and this camera is doing a great job of helping me discover who visits my backyard when I’m all tucked in at night.

I just set it up, and the camera sleeps until it gets triggered by heat or motion. (The camera can sleep for months, if necessary, but with my backyard being such a popular wildlife night-spot, I don’t think that will happen much around here.) Once triggered, it starts shooting 4K video … with sound!

So, guess who showed up last night? Why none other than, Pépe Le Pew. Mr. Smooth himself.

I had set the camera very low to the ground, and the skunk woke it up by bumping right into it. The skunk did a little bit of thrashing, perhaps surprised by this unknown entity. But skunks probably don’t have much fear, right? Who would want to mess with one? Day or night.

Satisfied that the camera was a benign addition to the scene, the skunk aimed its very intimidating backside at us before walking towards the pond to enjoy some fresh water.

It took a while to find the right spot, finding the front too steep for a prolonged cool drink, but the stone plateau that has fresh water bubbling over it was apparently just right.

A skunk’s stripes all lead to their weapon — that well-known noxious spray, which when fired can reach up to 10 feet! It’s believed the dramatic markings give potential predators fair warning as to where the danger lies. Skunks always prefer to intimidate rather than spray. And for good reason. After firing off that shot, the skunk is helpless for nearly 10 days! That’s how long it takes its body to ‘reload’.

Skunks have great night vision and usually come out after dark. They’re smart, curious, and according to pet owners, they have individual personalities just like a cat or a dog.

It had been a hot August day in Ontario, and this particular Mr. Smooth was obviously very thirsty tonight. I was glad to provide the amenities, and also glad to get some great shots of this esteemed visitor.

When he’s finally quenched his thirst, he slowly heads off into the night, relaxed and confident that anyone with any sense would never mess with him. In fact, most would go out of their way not to bother him. Not a bad situation - if you are the skunk.