A Skunk Carrying a Baby Skunk

A slow movement caught my eye as I drove the auto tour road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma. A Striped Skunk was coming my way.

I parked my pickup, got out, and got ready for a careful look. I soon realized this skunk was carrying a baby skunk in its mouth.

Skunk Carrying Baby Skunk Along the Auto Tour Road

I stayed low near my pickup and kept still. I wanted to photograph the skunk without blocking its path or making it feel trapped.

As it came closer, I could see the baby skunk hanging gently from the adult’s mouth. The skunk was moving with purpose, not rushing, but clearly headed somewhere.

When the skunk spotted me, it stopped in mid-step. Its body tightened, and its tail lifted slightly. That was enough warning for me to stay quiet and give it room.

After a moment, the skunk relaxed and kept moving past me. I made a few photos as it continued along its route.

This kind of behavior shows how protective Striped Skunks can be with their young. Moving a baby to another den or safer spot helps lower the risk from predators, people, or other threats.

I waited in the area for more than 30 minutes. I hoped I might see the skunk and its young again, but they did not return.

For another close look at young skunk behavior, see my post about a baby skunk charging me at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge.

Photographing the Striped Skunk From Ground Level

I photographed this skunk from a low position beside my pickup. That angle helped keep the view more natural and kept me from towering over the animal.

I also stayed out of the skunk’s direct path. With skunks, distance matters. It protects the animal and keeps the photographer from creating needless stress.

The light and open view along the road gave me enough room to track the skunk as it moved. The long lens helped me keep a safe distance while still filling the frame.

Camera settings:

• Camera: Canon EOS R5
• Lens: Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM
• Location: Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Oklahoma
• Date and time: May 18, 2023, 09:22 A.M.
• Aperture: f/8
• Shutter speed: 1/2500
• ISO: 1600, Auto
• Exposure compensation: 0
• Focal length: 500mm
• Support: Hand-held

Why This Mother Skunk Encounter Stayed With Me

This was a quiet wildlife moment, but it said a lot. The skunk noticed me, judged the situation, and then carried on with its young.

I did not need to move closer or follow it. Staying still gave the skunk the space it needed and gave me the chance to watch natural behavior.

Encounters like this are why I enjoy the auto tour road at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge. Sometimes the best moments come slowly, one careful step at a time.