The Daily Bucket is a regular feature of the Backyard Science group. It is a place to note any observations you have made of the world around you. Insects, weather, meteorites, climate, birds and/or flowers. All are worthy additions to the bucket. Please let us know what is going on around you in a comment. Include, as close as is comfortable for you, where you are located. Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the patterns that are quietly unwinding around us.
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Bay Area, CA
Continued below the orange coprolite
We ran up to coastal Mendocino County for a couple of days earlier in the week. On the way we noticed a seemingly large number of roadkill skunks, especially given the relative lack of other roadkill. My wife wondered aloud if it were mating season or something.
Upon our return we discovered that, at least in the Bay Area, it is skunk mating season. This is according to a wildlife rescue and rehab facility in Marin. They are seeing 5 to 10 skunk intakes per day and have stated that this is about 2 weeks early, with such activity normally occurring at the end of January. Accordingly, one might wish to be a bit more cautious on suburban and country roads and in such habitats where these guys might be found.
If, btw, you live in an area where both species are present, also keep an eye out for Great Horned Owls, who happen to be the number one predator of skunks.
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Now It's Your Turn What have you noted happening in your area or travels? As usual post your observations as well as their general location in the comments.
Thank you.