While on a quick stop at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I stumbled into an amusing wildlife moment. Just outside the restroom, a small ball of black and white fur caught my eye. It was a baby striped skunk, no more than a few months old, and it had no hesitation about making its presence known.
Instead of retreating, the skunk charged at me in short bursts, stopping a few feet away before repeating the move again. This defensive behavior is typical, even at such a young age. Striped skunks rely on their reputation for spraying to deter threats, and this youngster was already practicing the bluff.
Wildlife Notes: Meeting a Young Striped Skunk
At about two months old, young skunks are recently weaned but still learning independence. During their first 8–10 weeks, they rely on their mother’s milk before transitioning to a varied diet of insects, small mammals, and eggs. Most pups remain with their mother until they reach maturity at about one year of age.
Though I kept a safe distance to avoid a spray, it was a privilege to watch the little skunk test its boundaries in the wild. These small, spirited animals play an important role in balancing ecosystems by keeping insect and rodent populations in check.
Photography Notes: Capturing a Fast-Moving Skunk
After spotting the skunk, I quickly grabbed my camera gear from the truck. Photographing it wasn’t easy, as it darted between tall grass and moved unpredictably. To freeze the motion, I used a shutter speed of 1/1250 second, paired with an aperture of ƒ/7.1 to balance sharpness and depth of field.
The Canon EOS R5 combined with the RF 100–500mm F4.5–7.1 L IS USM lens gave me flexibility to track the skunk without getting too close. Shooting at ISO 6400 helped maintain exposure in the shaded areas near the restroom, though it did introduce some noise.
When photographing wildlife like skunks, distance is key. A long lens not only keeps you safe from potential sprays but also minimizes stress on the animal. Patience is equally important. Waiting quietly allowed me to capture natural behavior without pushing the animal into hiding.
Takeaway
This short encounter reminded me that wildlife photography is never predictable. Sometimes the best images come from spontaneous moments, even in places as ordinary as a restroom stop. A baby striped skunk might not be the rarest subject, but watching its bold personality shine made the experience unforgettable.