Friendly Skunk: Should You Be Afraid?

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I missed the contest of WILDLIFE OF THE WORLD and wanted to show the little skunk that frequents the backyard.

The skunk is searching the yard for grubs. He has acute hearing and can hear them in the grass roots.





If I mention there is a cute little skunk around, people look at me in horror. They think the skunk will automatically spray me but that it not true.

The skunks ability to spray is his protection. He gets a bad rap and would only spray if frightened.

Skunks can spray a foul smelling liquid from their anal glands. They will stamp their feet to warn predators.

If the predator doesn’t back off then the tail will come up and a blast of urine will be expelled aimed straight at the intruder. The spray will come over it’s back as he faces whatever has frightened him.

Although the spray gives an unpleasant odour, it will only leave temporary effect if it hits the eyes…just enough to blind so the skunk has a chance to escape.

He stops.. looks like he hears a juicy white grub under the soil.





Dogs will chase the skunk and get sprayed.

Various products are used, such as, tomato juice, a combination of baking soda, hyrdrogen peroxide with dish soap and white vinegar, to help eliminate the powerful smell. Of course there are also commercial products to help remove the smell from the dogs coat.

Mr. Skunk hears a grub and digs down to retrieve it.

Seeing telltale little holes in the yard let’s me know a skunk or raccoon has been around searching for their favorite meal of grubs.





Should you be afraid? At least cautious, especially if you have a dog that will chase after the skunk. It is a bit of work to rid the skunk spray from yourself or from your dog.

I have not had a problem with being sprayed by the skunk. I try not to come upon him quickly and always speak softly if coming outside and see a skunk patrolling the yard.

The skunks I’ve seen here on PEI are about the size of a full grown cat with a fluffy bushy tail and two stripes down their black coat.

Photos & Text by @redheadpei
Location of skunk: Prince Edward Island. Canada

Check Herefor more information on Skunks.



hive-156108 skunk photography wildlife amazingnature canada princeedwardisland archon
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23 comments
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It is a good way to confront enemies like dogs. It's good to have soap.

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Yes a good spray from a skunk would stop any animal in its tracks.

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The skunk looks very small. I love its black and white stripes. It only eat larvae?

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Skunks eat a variety of food, like insects, fish, berries, honey. They have eaten dry cat food I left outside.

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I think skunks are beautiful. When I was a child my youngest two siblings got sprayed by a civic cat, they stunk to high Heavens. Mom buried their clothes. lol

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They probably thought it was a cat and approached the skunk. It’s not a pleasant door to get rid of.

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I think that I can still smell it, lol.

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Love your positive attitude about harmless skunks and all of the awesome photographs! @redheadpei 🖤♡🐾♡🖤

My father-law has captured a beautiful skunk on his RING motion camera many times that has the reverse markings. It's 70% white and 30% black instead of the normal colorings and a beautiful creature with long fur. Not an albino either.

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Thanks so much @ninahaskin. White with the black stripes…interesting looking skunk. 😊 🦨

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An animal I would love to see, wow they sure do know how to look after themselves, to me look super cute.

Garden cleaner of grubs must help for bulb gardeners !LOLZ

!LUV have a super day and thanks for sharing this little guy!

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Hi Joan. Yes they are cute and I like to see them come around and clean up the yard from grubs and other insects.

I hope you are having a wonderful week. Thanks for luv. 😊

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Gorgeous having little friends arrive to clear the garden on your behalf, have yourself a wonderful week as well Jo.

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Take good care of your pet to look great. The photography is very beautiful

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Thanks for the visit and reblog. Much appreciated.

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Never saw one except on pictures and tv (Pepe Le Pew was a favorite show of mine). But I have smelled one during my first trip to the USA on a land travel from Pittsburgh to Upstate New York. And I can really say it is odor most foul 🤭

I like the captures of your skunk. He looks so fluffy and healthy.

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Thanks @gems.and.cookies. 😊 The spray and smell is strong enough to stop another animal from attacking them. Otherwise they are harmless and it’s their only means of protection. I do like seeing the cute little critters around. 🦨

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