Huh, TIL
Skunks are sensitive, intelligent animals, and like all intelligent animals, temperament varies with each individual. In general, though, skunks have playful temperaments.[3] Skunks tend to be highly curious and will open cupboards that are left unlocked. Some owners have noticed skunks smelling something that was spilled on the carpet long ago, and attempting to dig to find out what is buried there. Like ferrets, their curiosity can lead them into danger, especially if they crawl inside reclining chairs or other machinery.
A juvenile skunk once fell into my recycling bin of cans and struggled to get out. It was swimming in the cans and making a hell of a noise. I was watching from the window as it eventually got out. It was super cute and very hilarious, jumping back and forth and standing on its front legs with it’s tail in the air as if someone was trying to attack it. It was nice that it was a juvenile because it was so skittish I guess it had used up all it’s spray so my house didn’t get bombed.
Many years ago my grandmother found an orphaned baby skunk. She nursed her and took care of her. Never claiming Charlotte to be her pet, but a wild animal she had helped raise. Charlotte would walk my grandmother to work, and meet her in the field behind where she worked and walk home with her.
Charlotte was not particularly fond of my grandfather though. He was the only person she ever sprayed. I think it was about six years Charlotte lived with them and then she eventually left but would come back from time to time to visit.
Section from a rare book from the 50s-70s I have that touched on pet skunks.
I’ve seen one pet skunk in person once and it was more well behaved than I find my puppy tends to act.
Seems like the section about the composition of a suitable pet skunk diet was eventually removed. You could feel the controversy.
I love that all of these are missing insects and worms from their diet
