Beverly Dugas, age 16, of Bridgeport, Conn:, for her question:
Where is the skunk likely to be found?
Mr. Polecat ranges from Hudson Bay south through Canada, the United States, Mexico and way down to Honduras. His markings may vary slightly in different places, but he is always one of the most handsome fellows in his neighborhood. His lovely long fur is basically black with white markings: A small white triangle tapers down his forehead. Two wide stripes reach from his head, down his back to his furry tail. The New England skunk, which you arc likely to find around Bridgeport, has n white tip at the end of has plumy tail.
You will not moot Mr. Polecat walking down the street. He is a wild creature who enjoys life in the woods and meadows. For this is where he finds his food. You are most likely to meet him in the evenings. Though he dogs sometimes walk abroad during the day, he prefers to prowl by night.
It is easy to mistake Mr. Polecat for a wandering black and white pussycat. In fact one of his nicknames is the wood pussy. If you meet him, however, do not try to stroke him. He may mistake your good intentions and defend himself. And this he can do very well. For the skunk, as everyone knows, is a master of chemical warfare.
Not only humans, but animals too abhor the odor of the skunk. The little follow knows this and he walks proudly, without four. If you should meet him by chance, walk calmly on your way and he will do the same. If you follow him or he feels threatened, witch out. Though the dignified little follow will not pick a fight neither will he run away from ono.
Mr. Polecat defends himself fairly, like a true knight. He first warns you by facing you, growling and. stamping his foot. If you continue to threaten, he swings around with his tail towards you. The musk glands which make his smell are just under his tail. And he can squirt the musky juicy directly at his enemy.
The liquid comes forth in a fine spray. Threw drops of it can smell up the neighborhood for half a mild in every direction. Ho aims at the face of his enemy and his aim is good. While his enemy gasps for breath, Mrs Polecat strolls safely away. Ha is very careful to keep his plumy tail arched over his back so not a speck of the musk gets on his fur, For he hates skunk small dust as much as you do.
The skunk is valuable to us in the wild for he devours snakes and rodents. And lately we have discovered that the skunk makes s charming pet. If you capture a baby skunk safely you might take the little ball of fluff to a pet shop. They will remove his musk glands :end you will have a loving, playful, sweet‑smelling little friend. However, it is not fair to return him to the wild after his musk glands have bean removed. He could no longer defend himself.