Forgotten Felines

You took the trash out in the dark and I was near the edge of the driveway. I stomped my front feet against the asphalt. I hissed. I raised my tail like a flag and took two quick steps toward you.

You dropped the bag and ran inside.

I'm a striped skunk. I've been living under the brush pile behind your shed for a year. I have terrible eyesight, I move slowly, and the performance you just watched wasn't an attack — it was me asking you to back off so I wouldn't have to use the one defense I'd rather not spend.

🦨 The stomping and the tail are designed to give you every chance to leave.

I do this because spraying costs me. My body holds enough for a handful of uses, and once I run out, it takes over a week to produce more. During that time I have no defense against coyotes or great horned owls. Every spray I fire at something that wasn't a real threat is one I don't have when something is. I don't want to waste it on you.

Here's what most people don't know. While you sleep, I dig up ground-nesting yellowjacket colonies you didn't know were in your lawn. My thick fur protects me from the stings. I eat the adults, the larvae, and the comb. I dig up the grubs that kill your turf. I hunt the mice working their way toward your foundation.

By midsummer, you might see a mother leading a single-file line of miniature skunks through the grass at dusk. They're learning to hunt grubs. They already know how to stomp their tiny feet.

🌿 If you see me:

- Stop moving and speak softly — my vision is poor, but I hear well. Let my ears tell me you're a person and I'll waddle the other way
- Back away slowly — the stomping ends the moment I feel you retreating
- Don't trap and relocate me — you'd lose the only thing in the yard actively digging up yellowjacket nests before someone steps on one

I've been working your property line for a year, eating the things that sting and the things that chew. You only noticed me the night I asked for space.

That's because I'm good at my job 🌱

UPDATE: Grey Mom and her two babies are among the few that were trapped yesterday during TNR efforts. The babies will be adopted out, mom is too feral and will be returned to her colony after she’s fixed.

A fellow rescuer contacted us about a local colony of nearly 20 cats. After seeing the situation firsthand, we knew we had to step in. This is the second large colony we’ve taken on in just two months, and we truly need your support.
The cost of spaying/neutering and vaccinating each cat is close to $100. Please consider making a donation to help cover their medical expenses. This photo alone highlights just how important spaying and neutering is. ForgottenFelinesNY.org

If anyone is interested in adopting this pastel calico, go to our website to apply, she’s approximately 3 1/2-4 months old.

Thank you so much for your support.