Striped skunk

Bold black-and-white markings and an unbothered attitude make the striped skunk hard to mistake for anything else on the prairie.

Striped skunks are nocturnal omnivores that eat insects, grubs, eggs, small rodents, and berries. Their bold stripes are a warning, and when threatened they stamp, raise their tails, and, only as a last resort, spray. They spend their days in dens and come out at dusk, which is why daylight sightings like this one are a treat.

This is a favourite frame of a striped skunk, curled in golden grass in early spring light.

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