Skunks as pets

Huh, TIL

Skunks are sensitive, intelligent animals, and like all intelligent animals, temperament varies with each individual. In general, though, skunks have playful temperaments.[3] Skunks tend to be highly curious and will open cupboards that are left unlocked. Some owners have noticed skunks smelling something that was spilled on the carpet long ago, and attempting to dig to find out what is buried there. Like ferrets, their curiosity can lead them into danger, especially if they crawl inside reclining chairs or other machinery.

Many years ago my grandmother found an orphaned baby skunk. She nursed her and took care of her. Never claiming Charlotte to be her pet, but a wild animal she had helped raise. Charlotte would walk my grandmother to work, and meet her in the field behind where she worked and walk home with her.

Charlotte was not particularly fond of my grandfather though. He was the only person she ever sprayed. I think it was about six years Charlotte lived with them and then she eventually left but would come back from time to time to visit.

Section from a rare book from the 50s-70s I have that touched on pet skunks.

I've seen one pet skunk in person once and it was more well behaved than I find my puppy tends to act.

Seems like the section about the composition of a suitable pet skunk diet was eventually removed. You could feel the controversy.