We have a small cabin in the mountains and on occasion we are visited by some of the local critters. Today, while enjoying our morning coffee, my husband spotted something moving across the field.  A look through the binoculars determined that it was a large skunk with a fluffy tail and a notable white stripe.

It was our first visit by a skunk, and we enjoyed watching it from the distance.  He seemed harmless enough, wandering about and poking at this and that, but we had no interest in getting any closer.  I mean it was a skunk!

Curious to see how risky these guys really are, I did a little googling to learn more. Well, it turns out that blasting that powerful spray is a last resort.  When skunks feel threatened they hiss, stomp about and wave their tails.  If that doesn’t deter the danger, then a burst of powerful and stinky spray is the only defense that they have left.

 Actually, it seemed more than reasonable.  In fact, the more I thought about it, the more the skunk reminded me of a few people I knew.  Like the skunk, they usually seemed harmless enough, but if you riled them up, stand back! Before you knew it a spray of spittle and foul language was headed your way.

I had always assumed the motive behind this was a bad temper and poor self-control.  But maybe, like the skunk, people can feel threatened to the point that they have no choice but to go on the offense.

It made for an interesting consideration. While I watched the skunk wander back into the woods, I decided I might have learned something.  From now on, when I encounter someone, I think might be ready to blow, I’m going to give them a little space, reduce the perceived threat, and hope that we both leave none the worse for wear.