Chris
Premium Member
Oh Glenn, I'm so sorry!
ROFLMAO:
)
ROFLMAO:)
Not the best way to start a day.
- Thread starter GlennR
- Start date
GlennR
Forums Enthusiast
I don't think we have enough flooding near where I live to make any changes in skunk behavior but for whatever reason, they are certainly out and about in my neighborhood.
This morning I decided to walk Willow early and not have her do her morning routine in the backyard so I could minimize the risk of her getting sprayed again. What was the very first animal we encountered as we entered the park belt walkway? A skunk of course! I had Willow on lead and she behaved beautifully, walking by without me having to restrain her in any way. The skunk was around twenty feet away and keeping as close an eye on us as I did on it. Living by the park belt with its wilderness areas has its tradeoffs. Lots of lovely walking, some animals you'd rather not have around.
On another note, the paths and sidewalks have huge areas that are ice-covered. I have attached slip-on cleats for the first time and I'll give them a go on our longer morning walk. I'll report back if they work for me or not. I will keep my cell phone handy just in case it works out badly. LOL
Ann
Moderator
Glenn, the cleats are a lifesaver. We've used them for years and wouldn't be without them. I'm sure they've saved us countless broken bones. I think you'll find that too. Enjoy the walk and be careful!
Piper's mom
Moderator
Glad to hear Sillow gave the skunk a wide berth!
...do you think she’s learning where the smell comes from?
I’m happy to hear you bought some cleats for your boots! You don’t want to happen to you what happened to me!
GlennR
Forums Enthusiast
Cleat report.
So I had my first cleat experience today. I think without them the walk would not have been possible as a good twenty percent of the pathways and sidewalks were covered in sheets of ice. I'm pretty pleased with the performance overall but I do hope I won't have to use them much.
I found that they work best on slightly softer ice where they can bite more easily. On very hard and smooth ice they acted like miniature skate blades on the soles. That was an eye-opening experience I can tell you.
They work best when you keep your stride length short so as to keep your feet under your torso as much as possible. You then can shuffle like a penguin as you go along. If you try to stride along you will promptly be deposited on your derriere. If you walk five miles with the cleats and wind gusting hard enough to push you around you will end up with sore muscles in your legs and rear.
So, I'm glad I have them and I hope to not have to use them again.
So I had my first cleat experience today. I think without them the walk would not have been possible as a good twenty percent of the pathways and sidewalks were covered in sheets of ice. I'm pretty pleased with the performance overall but I do hope I won't have to use them much.
I found that they work best on slightly softer ice where they can bite more easily. On very hard and smooth ice they acted like miniature skate blades on the soles. That was an eye-opening experience I can tell you.
They work best when you keep your stride length short so as to keep your feet under your torso as much as possible. You then can shuffle like a penguin as you go along. If you try to stride along you will promptly be deposited on your derriere. If you walk five miles with the cleats and wind gusting hard enough to push you around you will end up with sore muscles in your legs and rear.
So, I'm glad I have them and I hope to not have to use them again.
Ann
Moderator
Just saw this posted on Facebook and thought of you and Willow, Glenn. Just remember, those darling little skunks will stamp their feet as a warning....as if we'd see that!
It's skunk breeding season, and bless their little striped hearts, skunks aren't very fast, nor do they see very well. And they lack few natural predators, and their only defense is to spray. But typically, they will give warning signs first, like stamping their feet and showing their behind as if to say "don't make me spray your ***!" Most animals heed these warnings and go about their way. So, basically, a skunk doesn't stand much chance when crossing the road: can't run fast, can't see well, and expects the car to back off! Little black and white optimists that are typically amicable creatures and are beneficial to our ecosystem. They eat insects and rodents.
Glad the cleats kept you upright! I agree with you, I wouldn't want to do long walks with them. And look out if you try to walk across a smooth cement floor like your garage with them on. You'd think you were on the Olympic skating team. But they are handy!
It's skunk breeding season, and bless their little striped hearts, skunks aren't very fast, nor do they see very well. And they lack few natural predators, and their only defense is to spray. But typically, they will give warning signs first, like stamping their feet and showing their behind as if to say "don't make me spray your ***!" Most animals heed these warnings and go about their way. So, basically, a skunk doesn't stand much chance when crossing the road: can't run fast, can't see well, and expects the car to back off! Little black and white optimists that are typically amicable creatures and are beneficial to our ecosystem. They eat insects and rodents.
Glad the cleats kept you upright! I agree with you, I wouldn't want to do long walks with them. And look out if you try to walk across a smooth cement floor like your garage with them on. You'd think you were on the Olympic skating team. But they are handy!
Piper's mom
Moderator
Thanks for the report Glenn! I think for our weather (lots of snow with ice hiding underneath) they’d be good. But I can see how just a sheet of ice they may not be good for a long walk!Cleat report.
So I had my first cleat experience today. I think without them the walk would not have been possible as a good twenty percent of the pathways and sidewalks were covered in sheets of ice. I'm pretty pleased with the performance overall but I do hope I won't have to use them much.
I found that they work best on slightly softer ice where they can bite more easily. On very hard and smooth ice they acted like miniature skate blades on the soles. That was an eye-opening experience I can tell you.
They work best when you keep your stride length short so as to keep your feet under your torso as much as possible. You then can shuffle like a penguin as you go along. If you try to stride along you will promptly be deposited on your derriere. If you walk five miles with the cleats and wind gusting hard enough to push you around you will end up with sore muscles in your legs and rear.
So, I'm glad I have them and I hope to not have to use them again.
Sandy in CT
Premium Member
So sorry Willow got nailed again. Eeeewwww.... I did see a skunk on my coop camera this morning. Every so often I get a waft of that smell so I know one has been around, this time I saw one. Weird though... Looked like almost all black tail with a mostly white bod instead of what you expect to see with the white stripe down the whole way.
Yes it is!!!! Good time of year to check under decks and porches, along foundation walls for any digging or holes. Momma skunks like to hunker down along foundation walls, and man, that can be rough! Our neighbors dealt with it a few years ago. The smell, even when they aren't spraying is quite strong. They had a trapper come in, got her, but she died in the trap and when they die, they let EVERYTHING go. It was horrible at my house, I can't imagine being near theirs.
Yes it is!!!! Good time of year to check under decks and porches, along foundation walls for any digging or holes. Momma skunks like to hunker down along foundation walls, and man, that can be rough! Our neighbors dealt with it a few years ago. The smell, even when they aren't spraying is quite strong. They had a trapper come in, got her, but she died in the trap and when they die, they let EVERYTHING go. It was horrible at my house, I can't imagine being near theirs.