Vertebrates
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Skunk in my backyard
I was wondering if any of your vertebrate zoologists could comment on this skunk. I caught it on my motion camera in my backyard. It appears to have a large growth on its head, visible in both views. Also, is this a nursing female?
Rebecca, Goleta - July 30, 2021
Curator Response
Hi Rebecca,
Thank you for sharing these photos. Yes, this skunk appears to be a nursing female.
From these photos, the thing on its head might be a Coast Live Oak leaf. It looks like the right size and shape, and with their little pointy bits they easily stick on an animal’s fur for a time.
Stay curious,
Curator of Vertebrate Zoology Krista Fahy, Ph.D.