Animals in the Wild 



[ 109 



OFFENSIYENESS IS THE BEST DEFENSE 



The skunk is a peaceable, friendly creature. When menaced, however, it resorts 

 to a nasty spray that can be smelled for half a mile though only the equivalent 

 or two or three drops is emitted! Skunk's fur, of excellent quality, is often 

 marketed under the tactful trade names of Alaska sable and black marten. 



SKUNKS FRIENDLIER THAN You THINK 



There is another wild mammal an enthusiastic young 

 camper may wish to bring home: the skunk. As it is best known 

 for the obnoxious odor it can give off, this animal is likely to meet 

 with a froscy reception. It may be, however, that the camp coun- 

 selors have already had the skunk's scent glands removed. Most 

 owners of skunks do have such an operation performed on their 

 pets, and this is best done while the creature is still quite young. 

 A skunk makes a friendly, easygoing pet. A small cage will do 

 for its headquarters; but if the cage is out-of-doors the sides must 

 be carried well below the surface of the ground. Skunks are expert 

 burrowers and can easily dig their way to freedom through an 

 ordinary earth floor. They can be housebroken, and they often 

 render excellent service in catching mice. 



