PT6 Skunk Traditional Cache

This is one of a series of six Geocaches which was placed along the Long Bark Trail in Oakwoods Metropark nature study area in connection with the "Pull together For Nature 4" event held on National Trails day, June 7. The trail is a 2 mile loop with lots of shade. Additional information about the series may be found HERE.

Please stay on the trail to within about 30 feet from the Geocache and resist taking a "short cut" through the woods.

A BONUS CACHE is available to those that complete the series. Each cache will have a code in the cover such as A = 3 etc. The six code numbers will be used to obtain the coordinates to the Bonus cache by filling in the letters A through F in N 42 06.ABC W 083 20.DEF.

Stop by the Nature Center desk and they can give you a brochure which will help you enjoy the trail. Nature center hours are 10:00 AM to 5:00PM Weekends, 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM Weekdays. Closed Monday.

The theme for this year's series is "Small Mammels of Southerstern Michigan." The mammel highlighted with this cache is the Skunk.
Skunk - Mephitis, vary in size from about 15.6 inches to 27 inches and in weight from about 1 pound to 10 pounds. Although the most common fur color is black and white, some skunks are brown or gray, and a few are cream-colored. All skunks are striped, however, even from birth. They may have a single thick stripe across back and tail, two thinner stripes, or a series of white spots and broken stripes. Some also have stripes on their legs. They have two glands, on either side of the anus, that produce a mixture of sulfur-containing chemicals that has a highly offensive smell. The odor of the fluid is strong enough to ward off bears and other potential attackers, and can be difficult to remove from clothing. Muscles located next to the scent glands allow them to spray with high accuracy as far as 7 to 10 feet. Skunks are omnivorous eating both plant and animal but mostly meat. In the wild, skunks forage for food, and in settled areas also seek human garbage.