Drama but with a happy ending.

[tenaya]

Last night I heard the pitter patter of little feet and looked up to watch as the raccoon horde left for the night after eating and drinking their fill. Momma, I count, and one, twothree, four, :::pause::: five and...and...and... where's Number Six? Concerned, I stood up and went closer to the window.

I heard thumping and was dismayed to see an adult skunk was blocking Number Six from following Momma. There was actually plenty of room for Number Six to run around the skunk, but the skunk was bigger than him and acting pretty scary, so Number Six lifted his foot indecisively and looked about for guidance. He was just too small and inexperienced to make such a serious decision and he basically froze.

Now I was worried. Skunks will thump and charge a brick; I think they find it fun to do. Number Six was not in any danger, but the longer he was separated from Momma, the more trouble he was really in. And to make my anxiety worse, I've watched as the skunk mommas abandon their babies without a second thought. Granted, the babies play all day like ferrets on speed, and I've seen a momma skunk enter the courtyard with one baby and leave with four (some of which obviously aren't hers) but Number Six needed more attention than that. A slow minute passed.

I heard a movement through the brush and suddenly Cutiepie was there with one baby in tow. Full of concern, she skirted around the still stomping skunk barely giving it another look, and went straight for Number Six. She licked his face and turned about, taking a few steps then checking behind her to make sure both her little guys were following this time and all three disappeared into the night.

She is such a good mother *and* she can count to six! *g*

Comments

[moonchildetoo.livejournal.com]

Awwwwww! Let's hear it for Supah-Mama!