While photographing wildlife at the Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge in Oklahoma, I had a rare and exciting encounter with a Striped Skunk. It was early in the morning on August 18, 2022, when I spotted the skunk off to the side of the auto tour road, actively hunting in the tall grass. I parked my truck at a safe distance and approached cautiously with my camera, hoping to capture this natural behavior.
Capturing the Hunt
The skunk was intently focused, stalking something hidden in the grass. As I watched from a distance, it suddenly pounced, catching a large grasshopper. It quickly crushed the insect in its jaws and devoured it. I managed to capture a series of photos that documented the skunk’s hunt and its successful meal. After finishing its brief snack, the skunk wandered off into the nearby brush, and I was left thrilled to have witnessed and photographed such a fascinating moment in the wild.
Camera Settings and Approach
For this encounter, I used my Canon EOS R5 camera paired with a Canon RF 100-500mm F4.5-7.1 L IS USM lens. Here were the camera settings:
- Date and Time: August 18, 2022, at 09:00 A.M.
- Program Mode: Manual
- Aperture: f/8.0
- Shutter Speed: 1/800 sec
- ISO: 2500 (Auto)
- Exposure Compensation: +1/3 EV
- Focal Length: 500mm
The choice of f/8.0 for the aperture provided a balanced depth of field, keeping the skunk in sharp focus while softly blurring the background. The shutter speed of 1/800 sec was fast enough to freeze the skunk’s sudden movements as it pounced on the grasshopper. The ISO was set to auto, allowing the camera to adapt to the lighting conditions, and I added +1/3 EV to brighten the image slightly under the morning light.
Using a long focal length of 500mm allowed me to maintain a safe distance from the skunk while capturing detailed images. This approach not only ensured my safety but also minimized disturbance to the animal, allowing it to continue its natural behavior.
Understanding Striped Skunk Behavior
Striped Skunks are omnivorous and highly adaptable, with a diet that changes depending on the season and availability of food. Their diet includes insects like grasshoppers, beetles, and crickets, as well as small mammals, bird eggs, fruits, and carrion. Insects are a crucial protein source, especially during the warmer months when they are more abundant.
The skunk’s distinctive black-and-white coloration serves as a warning to potential predators about its powerful defense mechanism—a foul-smelling musk that it can spray when threatened. While this defense is well-known, fewer people are aware of the skunk’s diverse diet and active hunting behavior. Observing a skunk hunting grasshoppers in its prairie habitat provides insight into its role as both predator and scavenger in the ecosystem.
Tips for Photographing Wildlife Like Striped Skunks
Capturing wildlife moments like this requires patience, a bit of luck, and respect for the animals. Here are some tips for photographing skunks and other wildlife:
- Keep a Safe Distance: Skunks can spray if they feel threatened. Using a telephoto lens (400mm or longer) allows you to maintain a safe distance.
- Stay Downwind: If possible, position yourself downwind to avoid startling the animal with your scent.
- Approach Slowly and Quietly: If you’re on foot, move slowly and quietly to avoid disturbing the animal’s natural behavior.
- Use Fast Shutter Speeds: To freeze motion, especially if the animal is actively hunting, set the shutter speed to at least 1/800 sec.
- Consider Lighting Conditions: Early morning or late afternoon provides the best natural light for capturing details without harsh shadows.
The Importance of Respecting Wildlife
Witnessing the skunk’s hunt for a grasshopper was a vivid reminder of the countless small but significant interactions happening in nature every day. Moments like these are a testament to the diversity of life in the natural world. When photographing wildlife, it’s crucial to respect the animals and their habitats. This involves maintaining a safe distance, avoiding sudden movements or noises, and never chasing or cornering an animal for a photo.
The Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge offers a unique opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife species in their natural habitats. Encounters like this encourage a deeper appreciation for the rich biodiversity of the region and the roles each species plays in the ecosystem.
Reflecting on the Experience
Photographing the Striped Skunk at Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge was an exciting and educational experience. It not only provided a rare opportunity to observe the skunk’s natural hunting behavior but also allowed me to share the fascinating lives of these often-misunderstood creatures. Wildlife photography is about more than just capturing an image—it’s about understanding and appreciating the behaviors and roles of the animals we encounter.
I’m grateful for moments like this that allow me to connect with nature and share the beauty of wildlife with others.