Skunks and Spring

Melanie
- February 28, 2008

Hi Dan,

We love reading your weekly Down Nature's Trail.  This week's article left me wondering about skunks and the coming of Spring.  My children and I play a game called "That's a Sign of Spring" in which we point out sights, sounds, smells, etc. of the coming of Spring.  We've been smelling skunks a lot in the past week, even with the nearly foot of snow we received this week and were wondering if they do indeed show more activity at this time of year.

Dear Melanie:

Your nice letter was right on time. The scent of spring Skunk perfume was in the air here, as well. My timing was regretfully off though, now answering you right away, feeling a little under the weather last week but more perky now, thanks. The "First signs of Spring game" is the best, especially if it's a team effort. To add a little more intrigue, leave a pencil and a journal on the counter that everyone can write in, whenever they see a new sign of Spring. They shouldn't forget to date and initial their entries. This way you'll have memories that you can look back on and learn from.

The skunks are coming out of hibernation now because their instinct has awakened their desires, so off they wander each Spring to satisfy their nagging hungers. A Spring time ritual of sorts throughout most of the northern states.

Thanks again for your valued interest in Nature. Keep you eyes, ears and nostrils open and let the signs of Spring come to you.

Naturally yours,

Dan