Young Striped Skunk!

This is really more of a snapshot and nothing special to look at, but gosh, isn't this doll adorable?!!! :D

I was up on the ridge with the dogs a few days ago when I heard a rustle and saw something under some branches. A couple of things went through my head at the same time:

"A SKUNK!!! HOW CUTE!!"
"OMG GET THE DOGS AWAY!!!"

The dogs heard the noise at the same time but they weren't right there, so as they began to come closer, I told them to stay back, and they did. I kneeled down and observed that the little skunk was not particularly alarmed, so I cooed at it and hoped it would come out so I could get some proper pictures. At about the time it realized I posed no threat and started making moves to come out, It occurred to me that the dogs were a wild card that could turn this wonderful, chance encounter into a week-long disaster. What would happen if that cutie pie came out and one or more of the dogs began to approach? I'd have to yell at the dog(s) to stay back...and if I were that skunk and I heard a loud noise like that, it would be my greatest pleasure to turn around, stand on my front legs, and spray away!

I immediately left the area and avoided the possible disaster. A really cool picture of a skunk is NOT worth getting sprayed or worse, all the dogs and me....so, here's my picture and I'm delighted that I got its adorable face clearly! :) YAY!!! :)

By the way, if you would like to see what a spotted skunk looks like, and see it standing on its front legs to get its bum higher in the air, check this out! :D www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTQc-WEb5h8

And, if you would like to read more about this stinky but cute animals, Wiki has a very good page here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skunk