“And they shall be Mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I
make up MY JEWELS.”
(Malachi 3:17)
To my dear grandchildren
A Skunk — Be Careful!
(Part 1)
“The Lord of hosts … is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working." Isaiah 28:29
Would you like a skunk for a pet? Probably not, yet many people have them as pets…after removing the scent glands. They find that skunks are friendly and can be playful.
These animals live only in North and South America and are part of the weasel family. There are about a dozen species, which are all very similar. Although often seen in daylight, they are most active at night. They have a slow and deliberate walk. All have distinctive black and white markings and have long bushy tails. Perhaps the Creator gave them these special features so they may be recognized and avoided even in the dark.
Skunks have a very effective chemical weapon called mercaptan, which is produced in a pair of scent glands near their tails. These animals prefer to be left alone. However, any animal or person who comes close enough to make them feel threatened will first be met by a cold, unblinking stare and thumping of feet on the ground. These are intended to warn, “You’re too close! Back off!” If the intruder does not retreat, the skunk will quickly turn around, lift its tail and, without further warning, squirt a vile-smelling fluid up to ten feet with good aim! Besides smelling terrible, this fluid burns skin and can cause temporary blindness. An animal or person who has had this experience will usually stay far away from a skunk! However, some dogs never seem to learn the lesson.
The most common skunk is the striped skunk. It is about 30 inches long, including its tail, and has fewer white markings than other kinds. It is at home in wooded areas, near farms and has adapted to residential areas where there are fields nearby. Sometimes a female skunk will make a nest in a barn or under a porch or deck where she and her four or five babies, which are called kits, can become a real problem. Getting rid of them is usually done by trapping.
Their main food in the spring is mice. In summer they switch over to grasshoppers, beetles, and other insects, often ripping open rotten logs to find them. Another favourite food is eggs, and sometimes they raid chicken coops. They also eat ripened tree fruit that has fallen to the ground.
The care given to these animals by the One who created them is written in Psalm 119:64: “The earth, O Lord, is full of Thy mercy." For you and me, there is a companion verse which says, “Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding” (Psalm 119:73). It is good to ask for an understanding of His love, to know the Lord Jesus Christ as Saviour, and to thank Him for all His kindness.
(to be continued)
Love you all - Grandpa
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