Saturday, March 5, 2011

What's that smell?

We went for a drive today because we had to get out of the house (not the smartest activity given the high cost of gas these days) and were surprised to see over a half dozen dead skunks on various back roads

Did a little research (I Goggled "skunk"), and saw that the Eastern striped skunk (Mephitis mephitis) mates in late February/early March.  So, the poor skunk guys and gals are out looking for love and getting run over in large numbers on our area rural roads.  Sad.

Not surprising, however, given how many people drive (too fast and too distracted).  Perhaps because I grew up in the country, I always keep an eye out for eye-shine of animals (especially deer) on the sides of roads and drive a little slower at night.  Hit a skunk and you'll be reminded of it every time you drive your car for some time!

1 comment:

  1. Interesting. I'm glad you posted this because I noticed at least a dozen skunks dead on the side of the road on the way home from Fredericksburg two weeks back. I was very curious that afternoon, but forgot to look it up!

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