(Reprinted from the Sept. 4, 2001 Suburban News)

As I walked my dog up my long drive, the smell of a skunk drifted by way. I was glad I had a leash on Jennie. I looked carefully in every direction to make sure we were well clear of the black creature with a white stripe up its back and tail. A skunk can shoot its spray with accuracy for at least twelve feet; and if it did, we would surely have an odoriferous affair.

The anal glands that produce the spray hold only enough chemical for two or three short blasts. That however, is enough to discourage any enemy. If the spray hits its enemies eyes, it’s even worse as it cause temporary blindness.

Besides a slight fear of a tomato sauce or tomato soup bath for Jennie and I, there was the fear that the skunk might be rabid and attack us.

Skunks are found in the southern part of Canada and throughout most of the lower forty-eight. They are found in all kinds of woodlands and also on the plains and deserts of the west. Southern Florida is one of the few places they’re not found.

Large owls are the only enemy that can catch and kill skunk, even if sprayed.

Years ago, while directing a Scout camp in New Jersey, CBS gave me a pet skunk. This skunk, Bandi, had been operated on so he couldn’t spray. He was a great pet. On parents day, he would ride on my nature director’s or my shoulder causing many a glance and remark. When camp season was over, I gave him to the nature director who took Bandi off to college.

I wondered if two male skunks got into a fight if their spray would come into use. I’m told that when they fight each other, they only use their mouths and are very quick to give up.

They are not afraid of humans and hang around houses. If they keep their distance and their spray to themselves, I don’t mind. Many, sad to say, manage to get killed on the highways.